U.S. Government Finally Classifies the Internet as a Utility!
It’s official – the FCC now classifies the internet as “a common carrier service under Title II of the Communications Act”, or in other words a utility, much like landline phones and electricity. There are a number of things that go with classifying it as a utility, but the two that stand out basically say that Internet Service Providers, such as Comcast, are required to meet standards for providing internet access and cannot create slow-lanes for web companies who don’t pay them off.
The FCC has already increased the minimum speeds for being considered broadband and made it so local governments can operate their own internet if a local company isn’t meeting the standards, but passing Title II is the final law that ensures true net neutrality.
I really look forward fiber optic internet becoming more common and cost-effective — Especially since billions of taxpayer dollars have been wasted on these companies since the 90s to develop the infrastructure, which clearly hasn’t been happening.
Obligatory Stock FCC Image (from NPR)
Sources:
https://www.battleforthenet.com/
http://www.savetheinternet.com/net-neutrality-what-you-need-know-now
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2015/02/fcc-votes-net-neutrality-big-win
