With net neutrality gone and mergers galore, it's a new internet

Source: 
Coverage Type: 

The dissolution of net neutrality regulations and the AT&T/Time Warner decision could shape the internet for years to come. 

Worst case: In this scenario, the giant companies that supply your internet access (AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, et al.) try to outflank the giant companies that provide most of your online content and services (Google, Facebook, Apple et al.) — and consumers lose out. Service providers could leverage their access to user data to target ads more efficiently, favor content and services they own over competitors, and then raise prices on customers who don’t have alternative options. Startups have a harder time breaking in, users have a harder time switching services, and everyone ends up spending more money. With the Federal Communications Commission's net neutrality rules gone, the Federal Trade Commission can intervene to address some anticompetitive behavior. But progressives and net neutrality activists worry it isn't equipped to effectively police the new internet dynamics.

Bottom Line: Most agree that the ruling in AT&T's favor will lead to new experiments with vertical integration by content providers and internet-delivery networks. While that's in part necessary for media companies to evolve and survive in an all-digital world, it likely will re-shape consumers' internet experience in the process.


With net neutrality gone and mergers galore, it's a new internet