Net Neutrality: Pros And Cons

New companies also benefit.  One of the main reasons for new innovations in the software industry is because of the open internet. The internet has lowered transaction costs and leveled the playing field between companies with big budgets and startups with better ideas.

Today, a startup can launch a great app and immediately draw a global following.

So why do we need to think about regulating the Internet?

Basically, because telecom companies don’t like the way apps are using telecom networks (for free) to take away core telecom business, like messaging and voice calling. Telecom companies have to invest billions to get spectrum and build cell phone towers, and some internet services directly threaten their profits.

If ISP’s start charging for specific apps, however, it would make them the gatekeepers of the internet; a role that can be easily misused. It wouldn’t just be an issue of telecom companies versus internet companies.

 Absence of net neutrality would tilt the playing field against startups with better products in favor of established internet companies who can afford to pay lots of money to telecom providers to only carry their product.

Is this an issue only in India?

No. Net neutrality is a global issue. The Federal Communications Commission of the United States recently voted in favor of strong net neutrality rules, to ensure that ISP’s don’t give priority to companies in exchange for money. Last year, Chile banned zero-rated schemes (where bandwidth for certain websites is given free to telecom customers) and Europe is changing a 2013 proposal in which privileged access was allowed for ‘specialized services’, because it was too vague and directly threatened net neutrality.

Also Read: Samsung Plans to Take Bitcoin Technology Beyond Currency Use
Things To Know About Apple's New Update iOS 8.3