The Death of a Free and Open Internet

Net neutrality—the principle that your ISP shouldn’t play favorites with online content—has been on life support for years. But now, it’s officially dead. The court’s ruling strips the FCC of its ability to regulate broadband providers, leaving them free to exploit their monopoly power. Want to stream Netflix? You’d better hope your ISP hasn’t struck a deal with Hulu to slow down your connection. Running a small business? Good luck competing with corporations that can afford to pay for “fast lane” access.

This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about control. Without net neutrality, ISPs can decide what you see, how fast you see it, and how much you pay for the privilege. And let’s be real: these companies have a long history of putting profits over people. Remember when AT&T throttled unlimited data plans? Or when Comcast secretly slowed down Netflix until the company paid up? That’s the future we’re looking at—except now, there are no rules to stop them.

The Court’s Hypocrisy: A Partisan Power Play

Let’s call this ruling what it is: a politically motivated decision that prioritizes corporate interests over the public good. The court’s reasoning hinges on the claim that broadband providers offer “information services,” not “telecommunications services,” and therefore shouldn’t be regulated like utilities. But here’s the kicker: the internet is the essential utility of the 21st century. It’s how we work, learn, communicate, and access vital services. Pretending otherwise is either willful ignorance or outright corruption.

And let’s not forget the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which stripped federal agencies of their ability to interpret ambiguous laws. By eliminating the Chevron deference doctrine, the Court handed corporations a massive win, making it nearly impossible for agencies like the FCC to protect consumers. This isn’t about legal nuance—it’s about dismantling regulations that stand in the way of profit.

The Fallout: What Happens Now?

• Your Internet Bills Are Going Up: Without net neutrality, ISPs can charge extra for access to popular sites and services. Think of it as a toll road for the internet—except you’re already paying for the highway.
• Small Businesses and Innovators Lose: Startups and independent creators will be crushed under the weight of pay-to-play schemes. Why would an ISP give your new app a fair shot when they can make millions prioritizing Facebook or Google?
• States Fight Back—But for How Long?: States like California have their own net neutrality laws, but telecom giants are sure to challenge them in court. With a Trump-appointed FCC chair likely, federal preemption could be next.

The Telecom Industry’s Empty Promises

Of course, the telecom lobby is spinning this as a win for “innovation” and “investment.” Give me a break. These are the same companies that have pocketed billions in taxpayer subsidies while failing to deliver affordable, high-speed internet to rural and low-income communities. They’re not interested in innovation—they’re interested in exploiting their monopoly power to squeeze every last dollar out of consumers.

What You Can Do

If you’re angry about this ruling, you should be. But don’t just sit there—fight back. Call your representatives and demand they pass legislation to restore net neutrality. Support organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Fight for the Future that are battling to protect internet freedom. Most importantly, spread the word. The more people understand what’s at stake, the harder it will be for corporations to get away with this.

Conclusion: The Internet Is Not for Sale

The Sixth Circuit’s decision is a stark reminder of who really runs this country: not the people, but the corporations. By striking down net neutrality, the court has handed ISPs unchecked power over the most important communication tool of our time. But this fight isn’t over. The internet belongs to all of us—not just a handful of greedy telecom giants. It’s time to take it back.

What do you think? Are you ready to fight for a free and open internet, or are you okay with letting Comcast and Verizon call the shots? Sound off in the comments—if your ISP hasn’t blocked this page, that is.