The Essentials
Net Neutrality was an FCC regulation placed into effect in 2015. It was intended to ensure that all internet data traffic was treated equally and that broadband providers abide by more stringent rules and regulations.
As is typical, the regulation produced unintended consequences. One being content providers, such as Netflix or Amazon, used the internet to deliver their product without sharing in the increasing cost of providing reliable internet service with the broadband providers. Another example, broadband internet was classified to be similar to telephones, making all broadband providers subject to the same regulations as a telephone company, whether they offered telephone service or not.
As of Dec. 14, 2017, Net Neutrality was repealed, effectively reverting the rules and regulations to a pre-Net Neutrality state. Simply stated: a lightly regulated, free market system.
There is a great deal of controversy over the repeal, just as there was a great deal of controversy surrounding the inception of Net Neutrality. Stories about the potential effects of the repeal, both positive and negative, are being published almost daily. However, the important questions aren’t being answered.
What do the changes mean to Nortex Communications’ customers?
The short answer is nothing. Nortex Communications has always been dedicated to providing the highest quality of service, treating all data traffic equally, except for traffic which would negatively affect our customers.
Nortex Communications has always practiced the underlying principle of Net Neutrality and has no plans to move away from this unless there are significant long-term benefits for our customers.
The internet, and how our customers use it, has and will change over the years. Rest assured, Nortex Communications is committed to bringing the world to our customers with the highest levels of service and quality feasible.
What do the changes mean for Nortex Communications?
Once again, the short answer is not much. Our upstream providers are excellent and have always operated with the highest level of integrity.
Many stories being published focus on the potential negative effects of upstream providers restricting bandwidth or content. While this is possible, upstream providers who engaged in such practices would not remain a provider for Nortex Communications and our customers. We demand the same commitment from our upstream providers that we have to our customers.
In Summary
The recent regulatory changes will not have a serious effect on Nortex Communications or our customers. Nortex Communications believes in freedom of the internet. Rest assured, we will not interfere, we will not charge extra for sites like Netflix, and we will maintain an Open Internet. If you have questions regarding Net Neutrality, please call our office at 940-759-2251.
