Limiting Net Neutrality Influences the Digital Divide

In the article 'The New Network Neutrality: Criteria for Internet Freedom' by Meinrath and Pickard, the growing concern for net neutrality is examined. They begin by explaining net neutrality as, "The non-discriminatory interconnectedness among data communication networks that allows users to access the content, and run the services, applications, and devices of their choice." Basically, net neutrality does not give some companies or users privileges over others. A recent fear is that the government will not allow the FCC to regulate net neutrality. In fact, a bill was just passed in the House of Representatives that would end the FCC's ability to ensure net neutrality and if this bill is passed then net neutrality will end. The implications would be huge and the whole way our internet works would be a thing of the past. One way the internet would change would be that the companies who provide internet service would start offering it in tiers, similar to the way our cell phone plans work. A higher plan would mean more/better service and more access. It would also mean higher costs for the consumer. I believe this would widen the digital divide. The digital divide is the divide between those who have access to the internet and technology and those who do not. If only a certain group can afford to spend the money to have more access and better access to the internet then they are going to have more opportunities to engage in a democratic society. Net neutrality is important in a democratic society so we all have the same opportunities.