Imagine if I told you that in less than a month you’re going to have to pay a monthly fee to use Instagram and Twitter. What about Netflix? Or YouTube? This could be America’s reality if a vote concerning net neutrality passes on Dec. 14th of this year.

Net neutrality allows all websites to operate on equal grounds. No one website can operate faster than another. However, if the FCC changes title two (the title which protects net neutrality) internet providers, such as Verizon and AT&T, will be able to control what websites people see and the speed they are provided at. They will also be able to charge for packages, like a social media package, that unlocks social media websites.

Without net neutrality, the Internet will no longer be the open frontier of content internet users know and love. Start up websites will be swept aside by already established companies and sites. No small website will be able to compete with sites like Amazon and Walmart.

Another concern is free speech being limited by the packages imposed by internet providers. Small news stations’ websites such as KDLT and KSFY will struggle to afford their websites as ad revenue will diminish with a decrease in site traffic. In a generation moving further and further away from television, local news may struggle with a lack of outlets.

Net neutrality is not only important to keep startups and small business alive, but is also crucial to keep local news thriving. If we want to keep the internet the way it is, net neutrality must remain.