Sen. Al Franken (Photo : Wikipedia)
Minnesota Senator Al Franken is a supporter of net neutrality. This concept prevents ISPs (Internet Service Providers) from selling faster Internet speeds to well-heeled customers or blocking their competitors.
Franken said net neutrality allows all Internet content to be "treated the same," according to CBS Minnesota. He also argued the Internet's growth and innovation occurred "because we have net neutrality."
Next week, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission will vote to determine if the Internet should be reclassified. If the vote passes, the Net would switch from an information service to a telecommunications service. The FCC could then ensure all content on the Internet moves at one speed.
For example, clients could access small online companies' apps without needing a quicker Internet service. Everyone could buy the same quantity of bandwidth on the Internet.
Those in favor of net neutrality say it would prevent large companies from overpowering smaller companies. Those opposed to it argue net neutrality allows the government to interfere in the private sector.
While Senator Franken supports net neutrality, others such as multi-billionaire businessman Mark Cuban oppose it. He has referred to it as "the demonization of a couple of big companies," according to CNBC.
Cuban believes the FCC is using net neutrality to target companies such as Comcast. He claims one reason is it's perceived to have a negative influence on the cable industry.
Cuban predicts that if the rules pass the FCC, the result will be several lawsuits. This will likely be from the big companies he believes the rules are targeting.
