In the most basic sense, the concept of Net neutrality is that all data on the Internet is treated equally, regardless of who created it. This basically means that anything created by a startup or a small company, has the same importance as content created by an established corporation. This is one of the key reasons why new E-commerce and Internet based companies have been able to flourish. Net neutrality has allowed new businesses to compete in the same arena as everyone else, possibly giving them the chance of one day being able to displace a previously established brand.

A proposal that would reduce the competitive nature of the Internet, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US is suggesting a two-tier system for the Internet, a normal and a faster bandwidth. Essentially, companies could pay Internet providers and telecom companies a premium to guarantee that consumers received their content faster. The so-called level playing field would not longer be in play. Data created by smaller companies might not be treated equally anymore, if they don’t have the resources to pay the premium. Established firms who would definitely have the resources could leave all the other companies in the dust, never even giving them a chance.

Having said that, the possibility of replacing net neutrality isn’t even supported by the larger corporations. For obvious reasons, the smaller companies would be the biggest losers. However, the established corporations aren’t necessarily the biggest winners. The main benefiters of this proposed change would be the telecommunication companies. The freedom they have to alter speeds could allow them to slow down websites, “forcing” companies to pay them to ensure a more reliable speed for their consumers.

The idea of net neutrality benefits everyone except the telecommunication companies. It is in the best interest of both the consumers and the competitive nature of the free market that we ensure the continuation of it.