The FCC's net neutrality plans will eventually destroy the web; that's what we've been chanting ever since the Internet came across proposed net neutrality plan that would allow ISPs to charge big companies for faster speeds.
However, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler came out in hopes to calm fears by stating that the proposed plan won't destroy the web as we know it. If this is true, chances are the Internet won't turn out to be a pay-for-play scheme designed to force consumers into a more expensive Internet plan.
"I am a strong believer in the importance of an Open Internet. As President Obama has explained, 'Preserving an Open Internet is vital not just to the free flow of information, but also to promoting innovation and economic productivity,'" Wheeler said.
Wheeler said if any company tries to divide the Internet, the FCC will use all the powers in its arsenal to stop it. Whether or not that will be good enough to keep ISPs under control, is left to be seen.
"The proposed rule is built to ensure that everyone has access to an Internet that is sufficiently robust to enable consumers to access the content, services and applications they demand, as well as an Internet that offers innovators and edge providers the ability to offer new products and services," he wrote.
The new FCC rule should become public some time before May 15. The commission hopes to vote on the new rule come this summer, so it is not too long now before we know if the FCC will be able to keep things from getting out of control.
As per Wheeler, the new rules being crafted by the FCC should be strong enough to fend off any legal challenges that might want to make changes.
If everything goes to plan, it will mean that Netflix would be safe from ISPs that might want to the company to pay up to get access to the fast lane. It would also mean that ISPs would not be able to block traffic when the user is on a wired connection. Wireless connections such as 4G and 4G LTE is a completely different ball game.
