What Does the Repeal of Net Neutrality Mean for Small Business?

Ryan O'Bleness

Hello, all. 

A landmark decision was just made by the FCC, effectively ending net neutrality (for now) in the United States? 

What exactly does this mean for small businesses? Are the new rules and regulations bad for startups? Please discuss here. 

Obie16

I don't entirely understand the process, but it seems as if it really puts small businesses and startups at a disadvantage. From what I gather, it more or less tiers small internet companies, or even a person who just has a blog, on the same tier as the big companies who have a lot more capital. 

From my understanding, the vote goes to Congress now, though, so nothing is certain as of right now. 

cdevos

I thought Rand Fishkin laid out some pretty good points on how repealing net neutrality may affect businesses from a digital marketing standpoint:

Ryan O'Bleness

Oh boy. I did not know about the "barnacle" marketing aspect. But yes, Rand lays it out nicely for us. 

I've also seen it being compared to leasing a car, except rather than having to pay for going over your yearly mileage allotment, you're paying for every mile you travel. And there is no option to "buy." 

It does sound like this won't take effect for quite a while, and a lot of people and entities are willing to fight it and cause, at the very least, roadblocks. Including the state of Washington: 

https://medium.com/wagovernor/state-leaders-announce-steps-to-protect-net-neutrality-dff666151d0e

Jose G

Wowsers, not good.

Matt_Shields

Now, that's how you end the year... with a bang! I guess, throttling net speed and VIP fast lanes are the latest trends for 2018. Hurrah! (with a hint of sarcasm)

Ryan O'Bleness

I detect just an ever-so-slight hint of sarcasm, @Matt Shields 

JamesEChappell

Every year brings more challenges to marketing stuff online.

Ryan O'Bleness

Indeed, @JamesEChappell. I don't think the effects of the repeal on net neutrality will be immediate, but it's definitely something that we need to anticipate sooner rather than later. 

ly tong

what are the odds?? when i bumped into what i'm really want to know

JamesEChappell

> @"Ryan O'Bleness" said:
> Indeed, @JamesEChappell. I don't think the effects of the repeal on net neutrality will be immediate, but it's definitely something that we need to anticipate sooner rather than later. 

As you said the effects may not be immediate but it will start with throttling speed on specific websites and will slowly grow from there.

LarryNDicson

I want to open my coffee shop. Where to take on this investment?

ideasunlimited1

This is a very helpful thread, and a lot of great information that will help us understand how to go ahead in the future. Thanks @Obie16 and @cdevos!

valikka

I certainly can be mistaken, but my opinion is not quite a deliberate move