There's lots more to it than that. What you're talking about is the data speed that individual ISP customers choose for their internet access, kind of like freeway (highway) 'on-ramps'. Net neutrality addresses the 'off-ramps'. Without it, ISPs can control how fast or slow traffic will be on that exit and can block access to some 'off-ramps' altogether for their subscribers.
It would be as if you owned a mom and pop grocery store right at a freeway exit. Then Walmart decided to open a store at the next off ramp, then paid the freeway (Internet Service Provider) to close your off-ramp to their subscribers. I imagine it would be a matter of software rather than switches thrown... 
Here's the pertinent info from the first link I provided above:
*************
How do FCC rules protect the Open Internet?
The FCC's Open Internet rules protect and maintain open, uninhibited access to lawful online content. The rules specifically prohibit:
Blocking: Broadband providers may not block access to lawful content, applications, services or non-harmful devices.
Throttling: Broadband providers may not deliberately target some lawful internet traffic to be delivered to users more slowly than other traffic.
Paid prioritization: Broadband providers may not favor some internet traffic in exchange for consideration of any kind. Internet service providers are also banned from prioritizing content and services of their affiliates.
**************
The key word in the first sentence above is "content". By way of example, I read somewhere that at one point, one ISP (Comcast?) was considering going into the video streaming business, so they tried - or considered - blocking Netflix (or something similar) from their subscribers because it was a competitor. It's possible that this was what triggered the current net neutrality regulations. Sorry for being vague, but I don't remember the details and don't want to post inaccurate information. It's the concept, though, not the details that matter here anyway.
I hope this makes sense... |
