Net Neutrality is the concept that all internet traffic is treated the same. There are proponents of creating a tiered system for internet access where those paying top tier pricing would be able to afford the fastest service and those paying less would have slower service.
Currently, Telemedicine in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi is conducted over a broadband network. The concern by some is that if a tiered pricing plan is created, companies with the most money to spend on internet access would have much faster internet service.This could mean that bigger hospitals could afford faster access than smaller hospitals or larger companies could edge out small business websites by offering premium speed websites as smaller company websites slow from their current speed.
The FCC is considering all sides of this issue and it is a complex one. The Center for Connected Health Policy has published a fact sheet on the topic. Net Neutralty Debate and Connected Health FINAL
Inform yourself on this important Telemedicine impacting policy and share your thoughts with us. Additional resources for learning about it are listed below: