The FCC is working on some new net neutrality rules, and companies like Netflix and HBO might not like what might happen. The new rules could force media streaming companies to increase rates for customers, something that might not go over well.
The Federal Communications Commission plans to put into motion new net neutrality rules that could give Internet Service Providers the power to determine what content moves faster on the Web. It basically means that some companies might have to pay these ISPs for faster speeds on their network. Things could get even more interesting if every ISP in the U.S. chooses to go down this route.
This new focus by the FCC represents a sharp turn from the principle where every ISP were required to treat all content on the web as equals. Such a move would allow broadband providers to charge web content providers to deliver faster and smoother downloads to customers.
Now, the FCC has not yet voted on this, so chances are there's a possibility where it may never happen. However, with the immense pressure the FCC is under to come up with new net neutrality rules that benefit the ISPs and everyone else, this new plan could become a reality before long.
While charging web content providers for faster speeds might sound like a good idea for ISPs, it really isn't. Big companies like Facebook, Microsoft, and Google can afford to meet the demands, but what about start-ups without proper funding? Such a rule would cause serious issues, and could also prevent innovation in several areas.
If this proposal should ever pose a threat, it is likely it would come under attack from net neutrality advocates who believe that all Internet traffic should be treated equally.
"The FCC is inviting ISPs to pick winners and losers online," said Michael Weinberg, vice president of technology advocacy group Public Knowledge. "The very essence of a 'commercial reasonableness' standard is discrimination. And the core of net neutrality is non-discrimination. This is not net neutrality."
Lately, Netflix agreed on paying Comcast to gain faster speeds for consumers. It is possible that everything that is going on right now is just a sign of what is to come.
