The End of Net Neutrality Demands the Beginning of Big Changes for SMBs

As we predict the changes that 2018 will bring, 2017 reminds us that it hasn’t ended yet by introducing a controversial law.

On December 14th, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to repeal a 2015 act that protected net neutrality. The repeal grants broadband Internet providers the right to pay more to have their content delivered at high speeds and block or impede access to certain content.

Those who support the FCC’s ruling believe that only major Internet companies will be affected. Detractors fear that this new pay-to-play environment will stand in the way of small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs).

Will the end of net neutrality mark the decline of the successful startup narrative that’s dominated popular culture in recent years? Or is the widespread backlash to the FCC’s ruling an overreaction to a law that will have little impact on the average advertiser’s Internet experience? The answers remain uncertain. But there’s one thing we know for sure: the most successful SMBs are flexible in the face of change.

Ensuring Mom and Pop Shops Come out on Top

If detractors’ worst fears come to fruition, large corporations will buy entry into Internet fast lanes. Their high speed content will run SMBs with comparatively slow to load marketing videos, websites, and other content off of the information superhighway—and out of the minds of potential customers. This means SMB owners will have to find money in their budget to face-off against larger competitors.

The first place to look? Your IT department.

No matter how the repeal of net neutrality impacts SMBs, it’s always a good time to re-evaluate the cost and quality of your company’s IT infrastructure. There’s never been a better time to weigh your options and give your company the strongest foundations possible to tackle whatever the future holds.

Streamlining Your IT, Without Leaving You Vulnerable 

At eMazzanti, we work with SMB owners and their existing IT staff to determine and implement technology solutions that help save money in critical areas. On such area is your website—a marketing tool that will only grow in importance, should the end of net neutrality increase competition for SMBs. eMazzanti can host, oversee, and regularly backup your website for one flat subscription rate. Comprehensive, expertly provided website support eliminates the need to expand your IT staff and protects you from the threat of losing time and money to a digital disaster.

With 14 million SMBs hacked within the course of one year, it’s easy to see why many SMB owners end up purchasing a pricey, one-size-fits-all network security system that’s difficult to maintain. Instead, we’ll take note of your company’s daily operations, devices, and budget, and devise a network security solution customized to your unique needs.

Our network security services don’t end with a recommendation. We can work round the clock to monitor device activity, install software updates, and defend your network, the data it holds, and the operations it supports from all manner of cyber security threat.

With our help, you can rest easy knowing your business is protected, all while making the most out of your IT budget. With an expert partner to support your operations, taking on big competitors becomes a whole lot easier.

The Internet is no longer neutral, and as a SMB owner, you can’t be either. It is time to take action. Contact us today, and set change in motion.