End of Net Neutrality: Challenges to Higher ED

Today a vote will be taken that will most likely result in the end of Net Neutrality. While most are concerned about the potential impact on their favorite video platforms (as am I) an underreported issue is the potential impact on Higher Education. Of course, the obvious area for consideration are online courses. Will internet providers charge more, keep the same, or reduce the price for education delivered using broadband? Who knows?

Less attention has been given to the thorny issue around colleges and universities, and the internet services they provide to students. Think about how much Higher Ed uses the internet. Email, online registration, and video streaming of events are just a few ways colleges and universities use the internet on a regular basis. Now, imagine a differential pricing model charged for different type of content. Exactly!

I have searched for models that can serve as predictors to what could happen in the US as Net Neutrality ends and the challenges that will be faced by Higher Ed. An example can be found in Portugal, where such pricing schemes exist. I will spare you the details, but think about the difference between a basic cable subscription, and then all the different packages you select from to get the programs you really want to see and that is what it looks like. For direct comparison, consider a basic email package, then add in a social media package that allows Snapchat, etc., and then move to the “deluxe” model that allows you to watch YouTube videos. This is the potential world we face and I suspect Higher Ed is not fully considering the issues. If it was, they would be writing their representatives and letting them know that laws must be changed to treat the internet like any other utility.