Net Neutrality Is Dead, Long Live The VPN

While the FCC has already spoken regarding the net neutrality, specifically on the three important rules on throttling, paid prioritization and blocking, the discussions on the issue never stopped. Internet users and small business owners have raised their concerns regarding the repeal of the rules, arguing that it will end neutrality online, allowing others to take an edge when using the platform. The idea behind the repeal is simple. With the shutting down of the net neutrality, internet service providers may now charge customers higher rates for improved internet connectivity, while others who cannot shoulder the fees may end up with slower speeds. The decision of the FCC also gives more room for decision-making, allowing the service providers to operate with minimal regulatory oversight. The result is a concerned set of consumers and stakeholders, with others going to extreme length of fighting for an appeal. An appeal is likely, with 21 states planning to contest the ruling of the FCC. An appeal is a logical thing to undertake under the circumstances, but the hearings may drag for months. So while waiting for the final say on the ruling, what can an ordinary customer do? Well for many, the answer lies in the use of the Virtual Private Networks or VPNs.

Here’s how a VPN can help you

So, what exactly is a VPN and why is this a trending topic after the FCC announcement? Well, a VPN serves as a privacy tool online, allowing internet users to mask their online activities through the use of a public network. The use of VPNs (ExperssVPN is a popular example) gains positive reviews since it allows the internet users to share data, browse anonymously and visit a number of sites using a public network. In a way, these free VPNs can serve like your firewall online, which can secure and protect personal and financial data. And the great thing about using the VPN is that it allows you to circumvent the limits set forth by the internet service provider, allowing you to enjoy blocked sites. If the free VPN tool is used and configured the right way, this can serve as your partner to enjoy private browsing online, and your activities and transactions are encrypted every step of the way.

With a free VPN working for you online, you can enjoy the services that are normally not accessible from your end. The service provider will find it hard monitoring and be tracking the data that you are accessing, and they will have difficulty knowing the sites and pages that you are visiting. For example, if the internet bundle does not allow you to access social media websites or streaming services, then this limit can be addressed by using a VPN. Under this arrangement, the traffic is routed through a VPN server, and the internet service provider will only know that you are only working on a VPN server. By circumnavigating the limits set forth by the ISP, it will not be able to block certain websites or slow down the internet services for you.

A few reminders before using a VPN

Of course, there are some concerns when using a VPN, and every internet user should be aware of these. For example, there is a theoretical possibility that internet service providers may end up blocking all the traffic that comes from VPNs. Now, if the internet service providers can throttle VPN traffic through bypass data throttling, which is a legal practice that allows you to continually use a plan even with a data cap, then it will end up your plans of enjoying the web anonymously and with protection. This can be alarming, but keep in mind that this is remotely possible. This can be done, by this comes with a lot of business and technical baggage. There are hundreds of corporations and organizations that also rely on VPN, and throttling the traffic that comes from the VPN will be a huge problem for the service providers.

There’s also the concern regarding questionable free VPNs that are available for download. According to some reports, these VPNs may contain malware and expose users, thus offering more problems than help. For this issue, internet users are advised to check out only the best and tested free VPNs in the market. There are a few highly-rated free VPNs that can protect you online and which can be helpful, now that net neutrality is dead.

Be careful in choosing a VPN provider

With the number of individuals using VPN today, it’s typical that you’ll find countless providers today. While some of these providers have been in the industry for decades, some are still new, yet offer excellent services and prices. If you’re going to use a VPN for the first time, make sure that you spend extra time and effort in choosing one. 

You can do this by considering the following:

1. Speed

Speed is important to any connection because it’ll be challenging for you or your organization to function properly if your VPN is performing slowly. Make sure that the VPN you pick performs at optimum speed. As an additional tip, assess if the speed is adversely affected when you connect more than one device to the VPN. 

2. Service Plan

If you’re looking for a VPN for business purposes, you should pay attention to its service plans and pricing strategies. More often than not, you will be using your VPN for years with several users. See to it that the VPN you choose offers competitive rates and excellent service. 

It’s also important to look for a VPN provider with 24/7 customer service so you can always ask help from professionals whenever needed. 

3. Versatility

As an entrepreneur, you would always want your business to grow in the future. You won’t be able to earn a high return on investment if your business doesn’t expand its operations. To ensure that your VPN provider doesn’t get in the way of your business growth, look for one that is versatile and allows you to incorporate several other tools. Your business might need other tools in the future, so it’s important to invest in a VPN provider that can cater to all of these changes. 

In Conclusion

VPN will soon take over the world, which is why you should be able to adapt to these changes as early as possible. The sooner you do this, the easier it’ll be for you to make the most out of this provider.