Schools Could Face Slower Internet Under Proposed 'Net Neutrality' Rules

Education advocates worry that schools could find themselves in the slow lanes of Internet delivery if proposed "net neutrality" rules posted by the Federal Communications Commission are adopted as written.

The new rules would leave an opening for broadband Internet providers like Verizon Communications, Comcast, and Time Warner Cable, to give preferential treatment to content providers that pay for the privilege of faster delivery of their content -- like streaming movies -- to customers.

While potential changes to net neutrality agitated many of those who closely monitor Internet policy, the issue is not well-understood within K-12 circles, despite its potentially broad impact in education, Douglas A. Levin, executive director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association. "Ultimately for educators, the access to high-capacity broadband is as important in schools today as access to electricity, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating," he said.