What happens when the Net is Not Neutral?

Keywords. Consumers Are Going to Love the End of Net Neutrality : at First
by: Christopher Mims
Feb 13, 2017
Click here to view the full article on WSJ.com

TOPICS: Internet, Regulation

SUMMARY: The Trump administration looks likely to change a foundational principle of America's tech ecosystem. And consumers are going to love the government's possible first steps at dismantling net neutrality, writes Christopher Mims. "Advocates for 'net neutrality'-the principle that all data transmitted through the internet should be treated equally-argue it is needed for America to cultivate innovative web-focused startups. Critics say that alternatives to net neutrality could lead to innovation and competition in the country's communications infrastructure, where they are badly needed."

CLASSROOM APPLICATION: Students can learn about net neutrality and two policies : zero rating and paid prioritization : that violate net neutrality. They can also learn about the players that favor net neutrality and those that do not, and they can learn about the possible impact on consumers of dropping net neutrality.

QUESTIONS: 
1. (Advanced) What is 'zero rating'? Why do internet service providers practice zero rating? Why do some content providers oppose the practice? What are criticisms of zero rating?

2. (Advanced) What is 'paid prioritization'? How is paid prioritization similar to zero rating?

3. (Introductory) Why is the end of net neutrality a threat to Snapchat?

4. (Advanced) What are the possible impacts on consumers of dropping net neutrality?

Reviewed By: James Dearden, Lehigh University