No one likes to be stuck in the slow lane, especially if there’s something you can do about it.
The internet is essential in the life of a college student. From Blackboard to DuckWeb, and of course Netflix – nearly everything seems to require the internet.
On May 15, U.S. telecommunications regulators put forth their proposed regulations on net neutrality.
Net neutrality means that every internet site is treated equally, and all online content receives the same service from the larger companies.
The new rules proposed could allow for Internet service providers, like Comcast, to collect money from companies and sites that deliver content in exchange for a faster and more reliable connection between the company and its consumer.
To combat this, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, in connection with Daily Kos, has created an online petition.
“We expect you to preserve net neutrality in any future regulation or rulemaking. We will accept nothing less than an open and fair internet,” the petition reads.
“If net neutrality goes away, customers will see slower service from websites and online services that can’t afford to pay the toll,” said Wyden. “And for those companies that do pay, they’ll pass the costs right on to users like you and me.”
The current FCC proposal allows for some pay-for-priority. Meaning that companies could charge more from websites like Facebook or Netflix to get superior service and speed.
“I believe the internet should be equal and that people should have equal level of internet service,” freshman Julia Villec said.
According to the Huffington Post, both Google and Facebook have spoken against this “pay-for-priority” the FCC is creating with the new regulations.
AT&T has announced that they will follow net neutrality for three years, abstaining from blocking websites and discriminating service, according to the Washington Post.
These new regulations would create “slow lanes” and “fast lanes” websites could pay to be a part of.
Similar to Villec, several students seem to have opposing views of the current proposal.
“I’m generally against it,” UO senior Nick Price said.
Wyden agrees.
“End-users like you and me will pay the price,” Wyden said.
The proposal was authored by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler.
White House spokesman Jay Carney released a statement the day after the proposal was announced, saying that President Obama supports “net neutrality and an open internet.”
Wyden has fought for net neutrality for 20 years and calls this proposal “a critical point in this fight.”
“Slower internet and greater cost. No one but the big companies win in that equation,” Wyden said. “I’m not giving an inch.”
Wyden’s petition can be signed here.