A Guide to the Open Internet

Hey, I don’t want to be all “ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE,” but, you should pay attention for a second. Before it’s too late.

There’s this thing called “net neutrality.” It’s a concept that’s often treated as an amorphous blob of policy wonkage. It’s also the number one reason we’re able to access the Internet openly and without boundaries.

The skinny: the FCC is currently proposing new regulations that threaten net neutrality. Maybe you haven’t heard much, yet. You would be forgiven – there haven’t been many good bird’s-eye-views of its importance.

Until now: A Guide to the Open Internet.

Network neutrality is the idea that your cellular, cable, or phone internet connection should treat all websites and services the same. Big companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast want to treat them differently so they can charge you more depending on what you use.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently debating legislation to define limits for internet service providers (ISPs). The hope is that they will keep the internet open and prevent companies from discriminating against different kinds of websites and services.

Not to be bossy, but CLICK THAT LINK. Scroll down. Learn the importance of net neutrality. And make it known that you won’t stand for it. Not you. Not me. Not your Netflix watching friend. Not your Farmville-obsessed mom. This isn’t political. This is an issue of lifestyle, finances, freedom and empowerment.

I’d hate to look back at 2010 as the salad days of Internet usage.