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All data is created equal. The concept is known as net neutrality.
It means that Internet service providers (ISPs) should treat all data on the Internet the same. That they shouldn’t discriminate or charge differently based on who’s using the data, what the content is, what website it comes from, what equipment is involved in accessing it, etc. In other words, net neutrality means ISPs shouldn’t be allowed to slow down a certain website or give slower service to one group over another.
Back in 2015, after years of debating, the Federal Communications Commission crafted a series of regulations along those lines. But now, the FCC is set for a controversial vote that would repeal net neutrality rules established by the Obama Administration.
What would the implications be for Houston consumers, and how did we get here?
We get some answers from Dwight Silverman, technology editor for the Houston Chronicle.