The Federal Communications Commission passed new regulations to level out the playing field and create an open Internet.

Internet service providers will no longer be able to dictate speeds for particular content.

According to the FCC, net neutrality or open Internet, is a way to ensure every American has access to open and robust high-speed Internet service.

Brian Morgan, associate professor of computer and information technology at Marshall University, said the initial effect is minimal other than companies that try to make money off of other users.

Comcast is the cable and Internet service provider for most of the greater Huntington area.

“Comcast was throttling Netflix,” Morgan said. “I would go to a house that had Comcast, and it would take a minute or two to just load something off Netflix. Then, a house in Ohio didn’t have Netflix, and it would load instantly. Supposedly, that kind of stuff isn’t going to be allowed anymore.”

This is going to pay dividends to Comcast customers around the area.

“It will help people get to the content they want,” Morgan said. “It’ll help people not have to pay larger premiums to their service providers, but it doesn’t mean Netflix won’t raise their prices.”

Tyler Ferris can be contacted at [email protected].