The Impact of Net Neutrality on Online Shopping in the Post-2017 Era

The debate over net neutrality has been a focal point for internet activists and businesses alike. In this article, we will explore the impact of net neutrality on online shopping with an emphasis on the experiences from major retailers and the realities of the post-2017 era.

Origins of Net Neutrality and Online Shopping

Originally, the concept of net neutrality aimed to ensure that the internet remains a level playing field, where all data and applications receive equal treatment. This was particularly important in addressing issues like high-bandwidth applications, such as P2P file sharing, which could degrade the experience for all users. By limiting high-bandwidth traffic, the overall network experience could be enhanced for everyone.

After the 2017 net neutrality ruling, concerns about how this might affect online shopping emerged. However, the reality is that net neutrality does not impact your ability to buy things online; it only affects the prioritization of traffic as it flows through the internet. The idea that you will not be able to shop online without net neutrality is largely a misconception.

The Current State of Online Shopping

Major retailers like Amazon have found ways to navigate this landscape, thanks to their financial strength. They can afford to buy their way through any toll lanes created by ISPs. For smaller players like eBay, which do not own the products they sell, the future remains uncertain. However, it's reasonable to speculate that Walmart will continue to dominate due to its massive customer demographic and the vast number of users they can bring to each ISP.

Is Shopping Online Affected?

Despite the concerns, there have been no notable instances of ISPs stifling online shopping in the United States. The reason is simple: ISPs are not in the business of blocking or steering shopping traffic. If an ISP were to engage in such behaviors, it would likely lose customers, thereby losing revenue. Customers have shown a clear preference for uncensored and open internet access.

Mobile Ecosystem and Net Neutrality

All hopes are not lost for mobile users, who often have a more tightly controlled environment. Despite the potential for ISPs to influence online shopping on mobile devices, it is still unlikely to occur on a large scale. With a more captive audience and a concentrated customer base, mobile ecosystems might face unique challenges. However, the infrastructure required to effectively steer a large percentage of mobile traffic would be extremely expensive and unlikely to be worth the investment.

Conclusion

Net neutrality is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. While it has ensured a fair and open internet for the past decade, its repeal has not led to the catastrophic outcomes feared by some. The reality is that major retailers have adapted to the current landscape, and the concerns about online shopping being significantly impacted are overblown.

In conclusion, net neutrality does not negatively affect online shopping. Instead, it ensures a level playing field for all players, from massive retailers to small businesses. As long as ISPs continue to prioritize customer satisfaction and the uncensored internet, there is no reason to believe that online shopping will be hindered in any way.