By Gayatri BabuSPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Since President Obama first spoke in favor of net neutrality, the movement has taken the nation by storm. As of last Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has further expanded this movement by classifying broadband Internet service as a public utility.

By doing so, the FCC attempts to equalize all corporations’ access to the Internet’s fast and slow lanes. Before the ruling, only broadband giants such as Verizon and Comcast had been able to utilize the fast lanes, since they were able to afford the extra tolls. Though there is significant opposition to the new measure, the FCC’s decision proves to be a magnanimous leap for several reasons.

The Internet is characterized by endless possibilities, undefined boundaries and an immeasurable amount of information. While these are admirable features that expand opportunities for anyone and everyone under the sun, they also pose risks in the form of providing a potential advantage to terror threats. As a result, the regulation of the Internet has been an evolving effort to maintain the individual’s right to information without jeopardizing user security.

With that said, the FCC’s vote toward net neutrality demonstrates that what was once considered too large of an entity to be regulated, can in fact be supervised under the government’s active gaze.

Despite the fact that the FCC’s decision is a milestone for the legal system, one has to question the effects of this vote for corporations, and consequently, for the average user. With increased regulation, broadband service providers may not have incentives to enhance the consumer’s experience. As a result, prices may be raised, ultimately working against the consumer’s best interest.

Another concern raised is the stifling of innovation due to the lack of incentive. However, one has to consider that with equal opportunity for success, start-up companies and other providers have a better chance at expanding their products and services. This provides customers with more options, as opposed to the handful that have been monopolizing the trade so far.

With the monumental role that the FCC seeks to assume, one can question the degree to which the government is seeking to control the Internet in a free market economy.

However, the present situation does not uphold free market principles, either; only a few corporations have the power to control Internet traffic, limiting opportunities for smaller businesses. Even popular content providers such as Netflix and Hulu have to pay broadband providers to obtain high-speed access to the Internet. By enforcing net neutrality, companies now have a shot at customizing services and products to cater to the market at affordable costs, which then increases competition.

Regardless of the ongoing debate between corporations and the government, securing and maintaining the consumer’s satisfaction is the primary goal. With measures encouraging net neutrality in place, the user is paying only for connectivity, and will be able to experience quality Internet services.
Though there is a chance that the basic fee for connectivity may increase, one can take comfort in the government’s strengthening role regulating the Internet, as well as expect it to give the movement on net neutrality its due diligence by protecting Internet freedom for users across the nation.

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