Will the Internet change as we know it? That's the debate in
front of the Federal Communications Commission as it considers new rules that
could impact what is being called 'net neutrality.'
The FCC began seeking public comment on the issue in May.
"I don't think anybody is actually benefited by adding
more rules and regulations. I think at minimum we need to remove rules before we
impose a new one," Tom Simmons with Midcontinent Communications said.
As an Internet service provider, Midcontinent Communications
officials are keeping an eye on what is going on in Washington, D.C. Simmons is
the Midcontinent Senior Vice President of Public Policy and is watching the
debate over 'net neutrality.'
"Our take on it has been a solution in search of a
problem," Simmons said.
'Net neutrality' is the phrase used to describe the rules
that the Internet has been operating under for years. It means that Internet
service providers cannot favor some web content, such as video services and top
websites, and block connections to others. Under 'net neutrality,' Internet
speeds and service has to be neutral for all companies like Google and Netflix
that provide content over the Internet.
Following a court ruling in January, which impacts the FCC’s
jurisdiction over Internet providers, some fear that 'net neutrality' could be
impacted by new rules now being considered by the FCC.
"It's an important issue. It's got some controversy
attached to it. The one thing we want to make sure that we have is an open
Internet that facilitates the amazing gains that we've made in
productivity," Senator John Thune (R) South Dakota said.
"What they're saying is basically a fast lane, so that
deep-pocketed corporations can pay to get their content streamed online faster
than other people's. The whole point of net neutrality is that content from the
beginning of the Internet has always been treated neutrally," Senator Al
Franken (D) Minnesota said.
Franken fears the rules being considered by the FCC and its
chairman, Tom Wheeler, could set up fast and slow lanes for the Internet. It
could allow companies such as Netflix to strike deals with providers to
optimize their service.
"I think this is very dangerous right now. New startups
will not be able to compete with big corporations if big corporations are able
to pay to have their content travel in a fast lane and that's what the
commissioner of the FCC is talking about in their new rule and I'm dead set
against this," Franken said.
Franken believes the FCC should classify the Internet
service providers, like Midcontinent, as a Title II 'common carrier,' which
means they would be regulated like other utilities.
Simmons says it would be a step backwards for the Internet.
"One of the concerns is that the regulations under
Title II were put together years and years and years ago in a different era.
I'm not sure all those rules are in fact applicable," Simmons said.
Simmons says a 'common carrier' classification could mean
more regulations for the service providers, higher costs and less deployment of
better broadband service. He doesn't buy the argument that the current FCC
rules being considered would cause companies to create fast and slow lanes for
the Internet.
"I don't think our customers would allow that to
happen. We've got pretty smart customers out there. They take a look at their
speeds every once and awhile. They make sure they're getting the speeds that they
bargained for and we work very hard to make sure they do," Simmons said.
Simmons says Midcontinent just doubled Internet speeds for
its customers.
"So, I'm not sure when cable companies like us are
voluntarily doing those type of things that there is really a reason anybody
should be terribly concerned about blocking. Certainly, not our philosophy, not
our policy and not in our plans," Simmons said.
Over the next several months, the FCC will be examining its
plans and policies as it works to navigate the debate over 'net neutrality.'
The FCC is taking comment on its proposed rules through
September 10.
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