Are we really here again? It seems like just a few short years ago we were at battle to keep our Internet. Now, here we are again. People that don’t understand the technology behind it are trying to change the Internet as we know it. At No-IP, we believe strongly in the right to an open and free Internet.

The internet itself has gone through massive growth since it was born over 20 years ago. What came from a simple way for physicists to share information around the world has grown into something that is so deeply embedded into our every day lives that Internet addiction disorder is actually a thing now. We rely on it more than ever. We get our news, family and friend updates and knowledge from the Internet. It’s how we entertain ourselves with funny cat memes and videos about a guy on a buffalo. Many of us rely on it as a source of income. It is our lifeline and we feel strongly that the Internet should stay as it is.

Would the Internet be anything close to what it is today if that innovation was inhibited by “fast lanes” that only certain companies with enough funds could buy into? What would happen to your freedom of choice as an Internet user? How would you feel if certain websites loaded much slower because the person wasn’t able to pay for the “fast lane” experience? Where would this leave the innovators of the industry? Think about all of the start-up companies, would they be able to make it in a world without net neutrality?

Please take a few moments to think about the future of the Internet if this bill is passed. Without net neutrality, the future of the internet is at serious risk. Innovation won’t happen.

So, what does the proposed end of Net Neutrality mean?
Internet Service Providers are arguing that in order for them to grow and expand access to the Internet, they should be able to charge more to certain content providers. Particularly ones that are a heavy burden on their networks, i.e. Netflix, Hulu, etc. This means that there would be a fast lane, slow lane and maybe even a no lane. If a site wants their content to get to users, it would have to be in the fast lane, meaning they would have to pay extra for it to get into the fast lane, or risk it being filtered out in the slow lane, or even the no lane.

This type of censorship by ISPs wouldn’t help them expand access to the Internet, it would greatly reduce it. In reality, the ISP’s will just gain the power to favor certain content and limit other content. This means that even though they will be building bigger and better infrastructure for the Internet, only some sites will benefit from it. The Internet that treats data equally is what we need always and forever.

Congress needs to use their power to ensure that the Internet remains a place where free speech and commerce thrive and are welcome. The Internet community needs to ensure that the people shaping laws for the future of the Internet are educated as to how detrimental these laws could be to the Internet as we all know and love.

At No-IP, we have always been a strong advocate for an open and free Internet. We feel that putting an end to Net Neutrality would hurt consumers and Internet innovation.

We are AGAINST the end of Net Neutrality. Do you agree with us? Do something about it. We urge all of our US-based users to call, write, or tweet at your local Representatives to let them know you oppose the FCC’s proposed changes to the net neutrality landscape. You can even use ResistBot to contact your representatives in Congress. All you need to do is text RESIST to 50409. It will deliver your message to them in under 2 minutes. No downloads or apps are required. It’s really that easy to have your voice heard, you have no excuses, now GO!