Net neutrality policy is the idea that all websites, irrespective of their content, equipment, or location, must be treated with the same priority and speeds, but can vary in the extent of regulation. What are the main stances on net neutrality?
Net neutrality is good
Net neutrality prevents internet providers from becoming the gatekeepers of competition, information, and morality in the digital space. It promotes innovation and quality service for lesser-known sites.
Net neutrality promotes the exchange of information
The internet was originally built as a tool for further inquiry, learning, and exploration. Net neutrality promotes the free exchange of information, thereby protecting the internet's core functions.
Net neutrality ensures a level playing field between companies operating online, allowing consumers to freely choose which sites to browse in the free market place of media.
Net neutrality promotes innovation as a launching pad for new web services
Net neutrality spurs innovation, which helps the internet expand. If major internet providers favor only a few established domains and services, then it becomes very hard for emerging startups to become recognized and popular among the consumer base.
Net neutrality protects service quality for lesser-known sites
Without net neutrality, we would have sub-par internet service quality when visiting certain sites. If only a few well-established domains load at faster speeds, then only content from those sites is readily available. This lowers the overall quality of information and resources available on the internet.
Net neutrality regulation hinders innovation and development in our internet products, preventing the emergence of more effective practices and more practical business models.
Net neutrality reduces investment in infrastructure and service quality
Without net neutrality, broadband providers would have an incentive to invest more heavily in improving their infrastructure due to having more liberty in their expenditures.
Net neutrality raises the cost of the internet for consumers
Net neutrality limits internet providers to a user-based revenue model, which results in the consumer having to pay more—ultimately resulting in lower industry demand and revenue, reducing consumer welfare.
Net neutrality doesn’t allow for priority traffic regulation
Not all internet processes and functions have the same intrinsic importance. Net neutrality legislation does not allow for the differentiation of importance, which will ultimately lead to congested traffic, poor service quality, and high wait times.
