Net neutrality prevents internet service providers from slowing, blocking, or overcharging with additional fees for certain internet access. The public widely uses the internet and met the recent FCC repeal on December 14th, 2017 with heavy opposition.

Mr. Hoyer, a Woodbridge High School Robotics teacher, supports net neutrality and values its importance. The repeal is “complete garbage,” said Hoyer.

The public views this backlash and protest as warranted and valid. Without net neutrality, internet service providers can block websites or slow internet speeds and charge customers with heavier fees.

For students who rely on the internet, they will be forced to pay inflated prices for the same service they have now. Roy Brown, a Woodbridge High School senior who uses internet everyday, is among this group. “I’m opposed to the decision of repealing net neutrality. The repeal monopolizes the internet and takes away a near-necessity of the 21st century,” said Brown.

Thomas Evan, a senior, also expressed his great concern on the issue and how it affects him. “I don’t want to pay more for what we have now, but net neutrality might force me to,” said Evan.

With internet though, the need outweighs the cost. When asked if the repeal would decrease phone usage in school Mr. Hoyer said, “Only if it means a large monetary loss to the students or their parents.”

In less than a month, Congress, through the Congressional Review Act, has forced a full vote to the Senate floor to overturn the repeal. “I’m not surprised…Congressmen could gain a lot of support and use it as leverage to be re-elected,” said Brown.

Although the Senate still has to vote on the repeal, it looks like it may not come to fruition. Brown believes the Senate will overturn the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality due to its “unpopularity and unjustness”.

The outcry for net neutrality reaffirms the necessity of internet in today’s society, especially among students. The continued support to reinstate net neutrality leaves a good chance that the internet will get through this scare unscathed.