How do you determine the impact of policy changes on internet service costs?

1 Internet service costs

Internet service costs depend on various factors, such as the type and speed of connection, the level of competition, the demand and supply of bandwidth, and the taxes and fees imposed by different levels of government. Some of these factors are fixed or determined by the market, while others are subject to change due to policy decisions. For example, a policy change that increases the regulatory burden on internet service providers (ISPs) may result in higher costs for consumers, while a policy change that promotes net neutrality may prevent ISPs from charging different rates for different types of content.

2 Policy changes

Policy changes can come from different sources, such as federal, state, or local governments, or from industry associations or standards organizations. Some policy changes are mandatory and apply to all ISPs, while others are voluntary or optional. Some policy changes are announced in advance and have a clear timeline, while others are implemented without much notice or consultation. Some policy changes are specific to certain regions, sectors, or technologies, while others are general and affect the whole internet ecosystem.

3 Monitoring policy changes

To monitor policy changes that may affect your internet service costs, you need to be aware of the sources and channels of information that announce or communicate them. For example, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in the US. Its website provides news releases, reports, orders, notices, and proceedings related to internet policy issues. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues and manages federal spectrum use. Its website has publications, events, initiatives, and grants related to internet policy issues. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) coordinates the global internet's system of unique identifiers. It offers announcements, meetings, public comment periods, and policy development processes related to internet governance issues. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) develops and maintains technical standards that enable the internet to function. Its website has working groups, drafts, requests for comments, and meetings related to internet protocol issues. Lastly, the Internet Society (ISOC) advocates for an open, secure, and trustworthy internet for everyone. It has news, blogs, events, and resources related to internet policy issues.

4 Evaluating policy changes

When evaluating policy changes that may affect your internet service costs, it's important to understand how they impact the factors that determine internet pricing. You can ask questions such as: how does the policy change affect the type and speed of connection you use or want to use? Does it limit or expand your options or preferences? How does the policy change affect the level of competition among ISPs in your area or market? Does it encourage or discourage new entrants, mergers, or acquisitions? Additionally, consider how the policy change affects the demand and supply of bandwidth in your area or market, and if it increases or decreases the congestion, quality, or reliability of your internet service. Finally, ask yourself how the policy change affects the taxes and fees you pay for your internet service. Does it add or remove any charges, levies, or subsidies?

5 Comparing internet service costs

To compare internet service costs before and after a policy change, you need to have a baseline and a reference point. Your monthly internet bill can be used as a baseline, while bills of other users or providers can be used as a reference point. Additionally, online tools or websites that compare internet plans, prices, and features across different ISPs, regions, or countries can be utilized. Some of the factors to compare include the monthly or annual fee for your internet service plan and how it changes over time or with usage; the speed, data limit, and quality of service (QoS) of your internet service plan and how they vary depending on the time of day, location, or content type; the taxes, fees, and surcharges that are included or excluded in your internet service bill and how they are calculated or allocated; as well as the discounts, incentives, or bundles that are offered or required by your ISP and how they affect your overall internet service cost.