What is this junk?

“Net neutrality” isn’t just a term for tech nerds with tape on their glasses, it’s a real life battle internet providers are having with the public and internet users globally (you’re a user- you’re on the web right now, right?). Net neutrality is not a new fight but it is one that is becoming louder by the day as people learn what it is and how easy it is to rally behind. Without net neutrality, internet providers can govern your use of the web- not just what you see but how you use it and with what equipment! This isn’t a pretend problem pulled from the novel 1984 people, this is real.

SaveTheInternet.com defines net neutrality:

“Net Neutrality means no discrimination. Net Neutrality prevents Internet providers from blocking, speeding up or slowing down Web content based on its source, ownership or destination.”

This is a game changer for your biz AND your clients

Wikipedia.org definition:

“Network neutrality (also net neutrality, Internet neutrality) is a principle proposed for residential broadband networks and potentially for all networks. A neutral broadband network is one that is free of restrictions on content, sites, or platforms, on the kinds of equipment that may be attached, and on the modes of communication allowed, as well as one where communication is not unreasonably degraded by other communication streams.”

How is it a game changer?

If net neutrality isn’t in play, your internet provider can charge based on use, they can block certain sites or equipment meaning your use is governed. This is critical if you’re a blogger, use Twitter or any other site because it can become functionally restricted and cost prohibitive to use the web as providers are attempting to create a false sense of scarcity (like the diamond industry did once upon a time). We’re all here promoting the use of the web in some form or fashion be it helping each other, or telling a client we’ll promote their home online (and hope that it hasn’t become to prohibitive for consumers to use).

NAR supports Net Neutrality:

I want to take a moment to applaud National Association of Realtors’ policy on net neutrality:

“Five principles to guide lobbying efforts on any legislation to require broadband providers to adhere to net neutral practices: 1. consumers are entitled to access the lawful Internet content of their choice; 2. consumers are entitled to run applications and services of their choice, subject to the needs of law enforcement; 3. consumers are entitled to connect their choice of legal devices that do not harm the network; 4. consumers are entitled to competition among network providers, application and service providers, and content providers; and, 5. network providers should not discriminate among internet data transmissions on the basis of the source of the transmission as they regulate the flow of network content.”

For those reading at NAR, I ask, how can AG readers get involved in getting behind NAR and the net neutrality policy? Are there any active campaigns NAR is working on or any incentives where help is needed?

Twitter opinions:

I asked a simple question on Twitter and here are a few of the results (told you people felt strongly about it, I didn’t find ONE person in favor of the internet providers):

Most people are supporters of net neutrality and there are a handful in the real estate industry who will gladly speak up and stand alongside NAR in the battle against the scams that internet providers are proponents of to save the internet! The real estate industry is not a quiet one and will NOT be quiet on this issue.

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