Four Ways 2014 Was a Pivotal Year for the Internet

[Commentary] Here are the four Internet issues that played leading roles in 2014:

1) Network Neutrality: This revolutionary principle is under attack from the phone and cable companies that control access in the United States
2) Consolidation: Too many communities can choose from only one or two Internet-access providers
3) Online Privacy: Congress failed to pass legislation to reign in government snooping powers
4) Community Networks: With big Internet providers like Comcast gaining notoriety for dismal customer service, municipal broadband networks have gained traction

If you value free speech, keep an eye on these four issues as 2015 gets underway.