Net neutrality rules set level playing field for data-intense healthcare users

FCC commissioners at the public meeting said the rule will apply to both wired (cable or broadband) and wireless (mobile) networks. The latter category is crucial for some healthcare companies, American Well senior vice president Mike Putnam said. His video visits company has handled an increasing share of provider visits over mobile networks since releasing an app allowing patients to connect with doctors through the video functions on their phones. That makes ensuring high performance crucial to the business model, and Putnam said the FCC's net neutrality rules are the best way to do that. Industry observers generally agree that high-speed, high-quality data transmission is critical for healthcare. That's particularly true for services relying on video, but many other types of healthcare companies are interested in slinging data across the Web. And, given the importance of healthcare procedures and information, data typically needs to travel quickly. That means healthcare companies not only don't want to have to pay extra for fast speeds, but also that they need networks to be fast overall. Net neutrality advocates generally focus more strongly on the first proposition. Opponents, though, have countered that the regulations will slow the investments required to ensure high speeds.