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WHAT IS NET NEUTRALITY?

Net neutrality is the idea that all internet traffic is treated equally by internet service providers (ISPs). Currently protected by FCC regulation, the enforcement net neutrality prohibits ISPs from charging more for certain websites, services, or access to any other public place on the internet. This prevents companies associated with ISPs to have an unfair advantage because their competitors are being either charged to have their website available, or charging consumers to access their service. Recently, ISPs have begun to fight net neutrality legislation in order to capitalize on charging more for certain websites. Large companies opposed to net neutrality, such as Comcast and Verizon, have put millions of dollars into lobbying in congress to convince representatives to support the repeal of FCC regulations regarding net neutrality (Sottek, The Verge).

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On the consumer level, individuals will end up paying more for access to websites they frequently visit. For example, Xfinity, owned by Comcast, provides a TV service. In order for them to eliminate competitors and charge more for their service, Comcast would be able to increase the price to access other streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. Not only would video streaming be effected, but Comcast could also push consumers to use their email service as well as other web services.

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