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A look at upcoming decision on the future of the internet

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Early next month, we expect to hear a critical decision from the FCC about the future of the internet.

Net neutrality has become a huge talking point and you still have a chance to have your voice heard before a final rule comes down.

The way we as consumers use the internet right now is basically free and open. Rules in place today prevent internet service providers (ISP) like Comcast or AT&T from slowing down internet speeds or blocking content users want to access. Rules also stop ISPs from picking and choosing which content (like Netflix vs Hulu) they want to promote or give faster download speeds. That’s with the Obama initiative called net neutrality in place.

President Trump appointed FCC Chairman announced a set of newly proposed regulations on Nov. 21. Those regulations get rid of net neutrality and allow a free market for the internet. That would allow companies like Comcast or ATT to choose what to provide consumers, giving people more options but possibly limiting access.

Max Huffman a professor of commercial law at the IU McKinney School of Law at IUPUI says the issue is purely political.

“Whether it’s a good thing or a negative thing is fundamentally a political question,” said Huffman. “I think there are pros and cons to both. It is a core question on whether or not we like the free market or do we like the regulated market. It certainly has its advantages. Net neutrality mitigates the danger of a government entity of some sorts, dictating the terms of the form of content that’s provided, what we pay for that content, how we access that content.”

A great example of what the internet could look like is to imagine a highway with a toll stop. One lane is for regular traffic and one lane is a fast lane you can pay to go through faster. That’s how Huffman believes the internet will change if net neutrality is removed.

The FCC will vote on whether to repeal net neutrality Dec. 14. If you have an opinion you can still have voice your opinion by calling or emailing your local lawmaker.