VIDEO: There Could Possible Changes To The Way You Surf The Internet

STARKVILE, Miss. (WCBI)- There may be major changes coming to internet regulation.

The Federal Communications Commission is expected to make a vote that would repeal the current net neutrality rules, which could change the way you get your information and entertainment.

Two years ago, the FCC made it to where all internet traffic is treated equally.

So, whether your checking an email or posting a picture on Facebook, everyone has equal access.

“I use the Internet a good amount, probably every day, multiple times a day, on my phone, computer,” said Forrest Buck, who’s a grad student at Mississippi State University.

Buck said he needs the Internet for classes, along with checking some of his favorite apps such as Facebook and Twitter.

However, now there’s a possibility he will have to pay extra to access the apps.

The grad student doesn’t like the idea, but understands why it could happen.

“I think thats what makes the Internet so unique,” Buck expressed. “So many people can access it so freely regardless of what your income level is, every body is kind of equal on the Internet in a sense that they can go to all of the different sites, a lot of different sites and use them for free.”

“Net neutrality is to the Internet as equal opportunity is to society,” said Patrick Linley, president of Starkville Computers.

If the FCC makes the changes, your bill could look a lot different.

“If it’s repealed then what would happen is the apps and services may be separated into packages,” Linley explained. “Your Internet service provider may have a social media package where if you wanted to access Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, that sort of thing, they could add additional fees to your Internet bill in order to use those services.”

This is similar to how cable and satellite companies operate now with your tv.

Broadband service providers could slow down or block access to websites and services that are not partners with their network.

Linley believes the changes could create a pay-for-play scenario for broadband service providers.

“It’s almost like them having the freedom to be able to tax you to use services that are currently open and available to everybody right now without discrimination,” said Linley.

Linley said these new changes could also hurt smaller broadband service providers.

The FCC is expected to vote on this matter on Thursday.