What if Net Neutrality is killed in the Caribbean?
On Thursday December 14th, 2017, The Federal Communications Commission voted to dismantle rules regulating the businesses that connect users to the internet. Net Neutrality was repealed. What is Net Neutrality? Net Neutrality prevented ISPs from blocking and throttling certain websites e.g Netflix, Amazon etc. It also prohibited these companies from charging for a higher-quality service or certain content. Although the Commission’s Chairman, Mr. Ajit Pai, indicated that the repeal would benefit consumers as Broadband Companies could offer people a wider variety of service options, I wonder if this were to happen in the Caribbean what would be the state of affairs.
The problem with the Caribbean and Trinidad and Tobago in particular is the lack of options when it comes to service providers and the number of conglomerates owned by a very small percentage of the population. The ill-effects will therefore be multiplied. In other words, with a few people shaking hands the online landscape could immediately become very ugly for smaller businesses and consumers. This would take monopolisation to new heights. Commercial oligarchical collectivism at its best.
This to me would be a death knell for smaller companies trying to compete online as they will no doubt be mercilessly throttled to death. Guaranteed! Consider what already takes place locally, offline. For example, if you were to try to import goods to compete with a larger company, what happens at the Ports when you have to get these goods cleared? Red-tape, delays and hassle. If you start to make too much noise in the industry, the competition simply arranges (behind closed doors) to have you physically frustrated (or throttled) out of business. An equivalent repeal of Net Neutrality in the Caribbean would be a legalised internet version of that scenario.
Moreover, that fact that telecom companies have already attempted to block VoIP calls despite there being regulations in place, is a warning shot across your online bow like no other. Companies like these have already shown their hand and I fear they would not only attempt to recoup monies for their infrastructure but would take absolute advantage of the consumer who depends on it.
Everyone would be affected by this. Everyone. Just imagine an immediate future where your Amazon shopping experience has become so impossible that you are now forced to pay through the teeth at local outlets? Or you are forced to make international calls using your Telecom company’s service simply because Whatspp, Skype etc have become too frustrating or even more expensive than the native service that they offer? Content creators, sad is your portion as well as your options for pushing your content are now limited. Think about having to reinstall cable because Netflix is blocked or Youtube could only be surfed at Dial-up speeds. Perish the thought! In fact annihilate it! However, given our current foreign exchange issues it would not be a surprise to see any Government supporting this as a means to encourage persons to “Buy Local”.
As a result consumers will have to be more informed and choose ISPs not just based on cost but also on the services (e.g. Netflix, Amazon, Whatsapp etc) they use most. ISPs may be able to offer bundled packages for different types of online services giving consumers some choice if they do so fairly. However, these ISPs have proven that even in the face of regulations they will still try to bleed your pocket and squeeze out the possibility of competition. What will happen if the floodgates were to be opened?
As with most things that take place in the US, similar repeals are most likely coming our way soon so be prepared and understand what this means for you.
