Clarissa Ramon

[Commentary] The Federal Communications Commission just released information about new draft rules for an open Internet. The proposed rules reportedly would allow for broadband providers to make companies that provide services on the Internet pay for fast lane service, as long as that payment is considered “commercially reasonable.”

But what happens when what one company considers “commercially reasonable” is not considered so by another? Will this guideline work favorably for some companies who can afford to negotiate and not others? What are the implications for startup communities? How can harm to companies and consumers be measured under these rules?

For consumers, artists, activists, and creators, creating a premium Internet should raise serious concerns. Reclassifying broadband as a Title II service is the best way going forward for strong net neutrality. The digital divide in this country is real enough to too many people due to the lack of competition in the broadband market.

As income inequality rises in the United States, we are quickly approaching a future that resembles an airport, with expensive Internet connections, lack of free public Wi-Fi, high cost services, and expensive and prioritized access for those who can afford it, that caters to an elite business class.