Is the Internet slowing down for all of us?
Eight months ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) began an unprecedented effort to regulate the Internet with telephone rules from the 1930s. Since then, the private investment needed to create better Internet service has declined noticeably. During the first half of 2015, Internet investment dropped 8%, according to figures released by major Internet providers. Excluding wireless providers, the fall was even greater – down 12%.
Recent Pew research shows that Asian Americans are enthusiastic users of the Internet and rely on broadband more so than other groups. When it comes to broadband adoption, 97 percent of English-speaking Asian Americans use the Internet compared to 78 percent of blacks, 81 percent of Hispanics, and 85 percent of Whites. Embracing policies like Title II will only lead to the deterioration of a resource that has become indispensable to so many people.
The Internet is an essential tool especially for those who live in remote areas where educational and professional opportunities may not be as widely available as in other parts of the country. Broadband is an important resource for people in rural areas to excel through online education and career development programs. When overbearing regulations threaten access to Internet innovations, those who rely on that access the most also stand to lose the most.
News story from AsianJournal
