Net Neutrality Rules Go Into Effect Today: Here's How It Could Affect You

On Friday, the Federal Communications Commission's Net Neutrality rules went into effect despite efforts from internet service providers to block them.

The rules, widely praised as a benefit to consumers, may not have an immediate effect on the public's web-browsing experience, but longer-term implications are expected.

Expect A Long Winded Fight

The telecom industry has already appealed the FCC's decision to regulate the internet as a public utility and that process is expected to drag on for months or even years.

While they fight the new rules, ISPs asked the courts to block the new rules from taking effect, but a US appeals court denied that request this week and allowed the rules to become federally enforceable beginning on June 12.

This loss was certainly detrimental to telecoms who believe the rules will negatively impact their businesses, but they will likely continue to fight the net neutrality rules all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Expect A Crackdown On Illegal Content

The new rules explicitly apply only to legal content. That means that providers can't slow down or block users' access to any content that meets copyright standards; but they are allowed to block access to pirated content.

Many expect that this distinction will provide a better platform for ISP's to fight against cybercrime and illegal content.

Expect A Higher Bill

Many believe that the net neutrality rules are going to weigh down innovation among broadband providers.

Since companies like AT&T (NYSE: T) and Comcast Corp (NASDAQ: CMCSA) are no longer able to charge certain sites for higher broadband, infrastructure investments will become a burden.

Sites like Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) that require high-bandwidth could clog up the network and reduce download speeds overall. In order to improve infrastructure and make networks faster, broadband providers will have to pass those costs on to customers.