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The repeal of net neutrality

Posted at 5:10 PM, Dec 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-26 18:10:20-05

Experts say the FCC repeal of Net Neutrality could open the door for internet service providers to change the way you experience the internet.

"The consumer won't see anything right away," said Karla Carter.

Bellevue University professor Karla Carter says people may have to start paying extra to use streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, which run off the internet.

"Why would we want to just let them hop on our cable lines and use it and we aren't getting anything extra for it," said Carter. 

She says the change could also impact your internet speed.

"You're paying for one hundred megabits per second but because you keep using Netflix and we have our own movie stuff that you aren't subscribing to, we are going to slow you down to 20 megabits per second," said Carter.

Net Neutrality went into effect in 2015.

Supporters say the goal was to ban internet providers from blocking websites, or charging more for higher quality service and certain content.

Those who wanted it repealed say it's too restrictive.

"It is not the job of the government to be in the business of picking winners and losers in the internet economy," said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

"We should have a level playing field and let consumers decide," said Pai.

Net Neutrality supporters warn it could soon cost you more to use social media. 

"Either the consumer is going to have to pay for the consistent experience, or the company will have to pay more for the consistent experience, then they will probably pass that back to the customer," said Carter.

A cost some say infringes on a basic right.

"High speed internet access is up there with clean water and electricity," said Carter.