Is a “net-neutral” concept truly open all?
While there have always been divides in society, the digital divide is a relatively new chasm that has only grown deeper as technology expands.
It used to be that the only way to access information was through your public library, which is equally free and open to all. However, with ISPs charging for access to the vast wealth of continually updated information on the internet, a divide has been created that puts some at a disadvantage. Those who cannot afford to access information online are unable to be fully informed, conduct timely research and, ultimately, disseminate what they learn to a broad audience.
“Net neutrality” is the concept that the internet should be open to all and not discriminate or charge different prices based on user, platform, content or access speed. In essence, it allows smaller businesses to have the same speeds at the same prices as larger companies like Google and Facebook. Because of this, net neutrality narrows the digital divide. It protects businesses’ from being overcharged for internet services and allows consumers to access these smaller businesses, preventing a lack of exposure that could run them out of business.
So, is it truly possible to enforce net neutrality? Yes and no. The regulations that are in place simply fine the companies who violate the Open Internet Order but there are no technical controls in place to stop them from doing it. There is only deterrence.
This limits the ability of small businesses to compete and succeed.
Even in 2021, not all businesses have access to faster internet speed and bandwidth. This can—and does—put smaller companies working or bidding on government contracts at a disadvantage.
The government has placed an emphasis on cybersecurity and demands that institutions doing business with them abide by government cybersecurity standards. Reduced internet access can impact your ability to implement and comply with government cybersecurity standards. Cybersecurity hardening is a time-consuming process, requiring several man-hours downloading, updating new configuration rules (STIGs), constant scanning of workstations and tracking and logging the results. Lagging internet and satellite speed can turn a two-minute scan and remediation job of just a single workstation into a fifteen-minute wait and see.
Empowering businesses to compete more efficiently and effectively.
When it comes to hardening your software and government solutions, SteelCloud can give every business an equal advantage by increasing efficiency and decreasing time spent on scanning and remediation. ConfigOS can give your company the ability to scan and remediate an unlimited number of workstations, giving you the advantage over businesses that still rely on manual implementation or on lesser products our competitors offer.
SteelCloud offers a system of software and support unmatched by the competition. Our solution is both cost-effective and time-efficient, giving the end-user the ability to customize and prioritize according to their own requirements and still stay compliant within government cybersecurity standards. With SteelCloud, businesses of every size can afford to stay compliant and competitive.
