A Brief, Unfolding History of Net Neutrality (Infographic) The Internet changes very fast technologically, socially and in creation of economic opportunity but the rules governing it change very slowly.

By Peter Page

The one certain outcome of the current debate about net neutrality and how the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will regulate Internet service providers (ISPs) is we will live with whatever the rules are for a long time.

This infographic, commissioned by WhoIsHostingThis, a hosting review business with a deep interest in Internet regulatory issues, maps the key decisions by Congress and the FCC over a period of decades. The rules now in place were written years before the Internet became a pervasive presence, socially and commericially, not just in the US but globally. Even the term "net neutrality'' was not coined until 2003, when the giants of the Internet now were merely ideas or obscure startups.

Related: The Latest FCC Net Neutrality Rules Should Be Opposed

The FCC is soliciting public comment on a proposed Open Internet Rule. The proposed rule allows Internet "fast lanes'' that were barred by a previous rule tossed out, in part, by a January federal court ruling. However, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has stated publicly the rule, to be completed by the end of this year, could regulate ISPs much more closely. Now is the time to educate yourself and speak up.

Click to Enlarge+
A Brief, Unfolding History of Net Neutrality (Infographic)

Related: Internet Providers Strike Back Against Net Neutrality Activists

Wavy Line
Peter Page

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Editor for Green Entrepreneur

Peter Page's journalism career began in the 1980s in the Emerald Triangle writing about the federally-funded Campaign Against Marijuana Planting. He now writes and edits for Green Entrepreneur.

Editor's Pick

She's Been Coding Since Age 7 and Presented Her Life-Saving App to Tim Cook Last Year. Now 17, She's on Track to Solve Even Bigger Problems.
Lock
I Helped Grow 4 Unicorns Over 10 Years That Generated $18 Billion in Online Revenues. Here's What I've Learned.
Lock
Want to Break Bad Habits and Supercharge Your Business? Use This Technique.
Lock
Don't Have Any Clients But Need Customer Testimonials? Follow These 3 Tricks To Boost Your Rep.
Why Are Some Wines More Expensive Than Others? A Top Winemaker Gives a Full-Bodied Explanation.

Related Topics

Business News

Oscar Mayer Is Changing the Name of Its Iconic Wienermobile

The company is slamming the brakes on its wiener on wheels and rolling out a new meaty ride.

Business News

'All Hell Is Going to Break Loose': Barbara Corcoran Issues Warning About Real Estate Market, Interest Rates

The "Shark Tank" star appeared on FOX Business' "The Claman Countdown" this week.

Leadership

The Real Reason Why The Return to Office Movement is Failing is Revealed in New Study

There is a vivid sign of the disconnect between employees and their workplace, a glaring indication that companies need to revise their scripts to improve their hybrid and remote work policies.

Growing a Business

The Best Way to Run a Business Meeting

All too often, meetings run longer than they should and fail to keep attendees engaged. Here's how to run a meeting the right way.

Fundraising

Working Remote? These Are the Biggest Dos and Don'ts of Video Conferencing

As more and more businesses go remote, these are ways to be more effective and efficient on conference calls.

Growing a Business

Subscribers Exclusive Event: Discover How These 2 Founders Turned Their Side Hustle into a Million-Dollar Lifestyle Brand

Learn how you can transform your personal brand into a thriving business empire with co-founders of The Skinny Confidential