How Google and Facebook Could Save Net Neutrality

[Commentary] It looks like it’s too late for politicians to protect net neutrality. The Federal Communications Commission is almost certainly going to repeal it, and the Republican-controlled Congress is unlikely to pass a bill mandating that all web traffic be treated equally. But corporations can still save Americans from this threat. Members of the Internet Association could band together to fund an internet service provider that would guarantee neutrality and offer service to every American at affordable rates. Google Fiber could build out its existing services nationwide with funding from these other companies who have a huge interest in protecting open access to the net. Even if the effort is costly, it would be less expensive than the potential alternative of customers being unable to access their sites. [Kara Alaimo is an assistant professor of public relations at Hofstra University]