The following is an opinion-editorial.

On December 14, the Federal Communications Commission will vote on whether to repeal Net Neutrality or keep current policies.

Net neutrality basically lets you roam the internet without any trouble. The definition for net neutrality is “the concept that broadband Internet service providers should provide nondiscriminatory access to Internet content, platforms, etc., and should not manipulate the transfer of data regardless of its source or destination”(Dictionary.com). Name brand phone and cable companies want to get rid of net neutrality to make packages that you can buy to get access to play games or check social media. Without net neutrality, the internet would be no more and you are the only ones who can stop it.

Net Neutrality is a big part of our lives because it allows us the freedom to view whatever we want on the internet.

When asked if our lives would be changed because of the FCC getting rid of net neutrality, Michael Reineke, a sophomore at Pascack Hills, said “we won’t know the full extent of net neutrality until it actually happens, if it does.” This is partially true, as we will not know until the voting takes place if we will have to face paying more money just to view more things or not.

In addition, the disposal of net neutrality will not only affect our personal lives, but the towns we live in as well.

Noah Mandelman, a senior, claims that “the repeal of net neutrality could in a sense lead to higher property taxes in the town because once certain aspects of the internet require a larger fee for use and better access, the school will need a larger budget to pay for internet access.” Local income taxes are certainly something some families struggle to pay for so getting rid of net neutrality would impact us greatly.

Lastly, net neutrality would also affect small businesses and companies that are trying to grow.

Mackenzie Carluccio, a freshman, believes that “if we are stripped of net neutrality then big, powerful internet providers will be able to force websites to pay more money so that people can view it.” If the net neutrality gets voted out, then smaller companies and businesses would have to pay more money in order to keep their websites running smoothly, which cost a lot of money, and maybe could be something they cannot afford.

There are some positives to get rid of net neutrality,but it is mostly negative effects that will be impacting us. Mackenzie Carluccio states firmly, “net neutrality favors the rich, powerful companies and websites who are able to pay a lot.”