Net neutrality is the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally, without any discrimination or preference given to certain types of traffic or websites. This principle is considered crucial for maintaining a free and open internet, where all users have equal access to information and resources.The fundamental points of net neutrality are prohibition of: blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization.
However, some internet service providers have been accused of violating net neutrality by engaging in practices that give preferential treatment to certain types of traffic or websites. For example, some ISPs have been known to block or slow down certain websites or services, while providing faster speeds for others. This can give an unfair advantage to certain companies and websites, and can make it difficult for new or smaller players to compete.In this article we’ll dive deeper into how ISPs can operate in line with regulators in the US.
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A brief overview of the history of net neutrality
In 2010, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Obama Administration established net neutrality rules that prohibited ISPs from blocking or throttling legal content, and from creating fast lanes for certain websites. These rules were designed to ensure that ISPs did not have the power to control access to the internet and stifle competition.
However, in December 2017, the FCC, under the Trump Administration voted to repeal the net neutrality rules established in 2010. This decision was met with significant backlash from consumer advocacy groups and technology companies who argued that the repeal would lead to ISPs having greater control over internet access and could result in higher prices and limited choices for consumers.
Since the repeal, there have been ongoing efforts to restore net neutrality rules in the US. In the 2022 legislative session, eleven states have proposed laws related to net neutrality. New York, in particular, has passed legislation that created the ConnectALL program, which aims to expand internet access. In addition, the legislation favors providers who promise not to limit data usage for customers or discriminate against any internet content during their business operations.
To find Net Neutrality Legislation in your state, visit the National Conference of State Legislatures website.
The future of net neutrality in the US remains uncertain, as the issue continues to be a highly debated topic among lawmakers and advocacy groups.
ISPs and Net Neutrality
One way for ISPs to support net neutrality is to voluntarily comply with the principles of not blocking or throttling any websites or services and treating all internet traffic equally. Some ISPs have already made these commitments. Consumers can also support net neutrality by choosing to use ISPs that have pledged to abide by these principles. Thus, if you choose a Net Neutrality course for your ISP, you can actively promote your policy and gain a competitive edge over your rivals.
Additionally, using modern tools like Splynx can help your ISPs manage your network in a way that promotes net neutrality. Splynx provides internet providers with control over their network that allows you to set up different service plans and traffic shaping rules. This helps ensure that all your customers have access to a high-quality internet experience and prevents certain types of traffic from overburdening your network infrastructure. We also offer a comprehensive billing and customer management system, which gives ISPs flexibility in meeting the needs of their customers and their business objectives.
In summary, Splynx is an effective solution that can assist ISPs in managing and monetizing their networks while also ensuring net neutrality. By streamlining network workflow, billing, and customer management, Splynx enables ISPs to provide excellent customer experience and maximize revenue. It also helps ISPs to quickly identify and resolve any issues with real-time monitoring of the network.
Book a free demo and dive into the software functionality in your own environment – taking full advantage of all the features Splynx offers.
