Traffic Lights,  Not Internet Services, are Considered Essential

As wildfires rage through Los Angeles this week, residents frantically refresh their emergency alert apps and search for evacuation routes. But imagine if these critical communications were slowed down because your Internet Service Provider (ISP) decided emergency services weren't in their "fast lane" package. This isn't just a hypothetical scenario – it's a potential reality following the recent appellate court ruling that stripped the FCC's authority to regulate ISPs as common carriers.

When Every Second Counts: The True Cost of Treating Internet as a Luxury

In emergency situations, access to real-time information isn't just convenient – it's a lifeline. During natural disasters like the current LA wildfires, residents rely on immediate access to:

• Emergency alerts and evacuation orders
• Real-time fire mapping and spread predictions
• Communication with emergency services
• Updates from local authorities
• Contact with family members
• Access to emergency resources and shelter information

The recent court decision to classify ISPs as information services rather than telecommunications services fundamentally threatens this critical infrastructure by allowing ISPs to prioritize traffic based on business interests rather than public safety needs.

The Two Faces of Net Neutrality: Service vs. Survival

FCC Authority Under Scrutiny

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) once held robust authority to enforce Net Neutrality under Title II of the Communications Act, classifying broadband providers as “telecommunications services.” However, a recent court ruling reclassified ISPs as “information services,” limiting the FCC’s ability to regulate them as common carriers. This shift has two critical implications:

1. Reduced Regulatory Oversight: The FCC no longer has clear jurisdiction to prohibit blocking, throttling, or discriminatory paid prioritization.
2. Public Safety Vulnerabilities: ISPs may legally reshape traffic priorities, potentially sidelining emergency communications in favor of more lucrative commercial streams.

The debate around net neutrality often focuses on streaming services and social media access. However, the current LA wildfires illuminate a stark reality: this isn't just about entertainment – it's about survival.

On one side, ISPs argue for the freedom to manage their networks and create new revenue streams through paid prioritization. They present this as a matter of business efficiency and innovation.

On the other side stands public safety and equal access to critical information. When evacuation orders need to reach thousands of residents simultaneously, any artificial delay in transmission could mean the difference between life and death.

Understanding the Impact Through Three Critical Lenses

Ethics: The Moral Imperative of Equal Access

Emergency services and public safety information should never be subject to market forces. The ethical implications of allowing ISPs to potentially slow or block access to critical emergency information are staggering. Just as we wouldn't allow phone companies to disconnect emergency calls based on payment tiers, we shouldn't accept similar practices for internet-based emergency services.

Logic: The Regulatory Reality

The evidence for protecting emergency communications is clear:

• The FCC has explicitly stated that reclassifying broadband as a Title II service would enhance its ability to ensure communications networks meet public safety needs
• Without Title II classification, the FCC lacks clear authority to prevent ISPs from blocking, throttling, or prioritizing traffic, even for emergency services
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw firsthand how equitable broadband access becomes critical for public health and safety
• First responders and public safety officials have consistently advocated for net neutrality protections as essential for reliable emergency communications

Human Impact: Real Stories from the Frontlines

As LA residents face evacuation orders today, many share how crucial immediate internet access is to their safety:

• Families coordinating safe meeting points
• Elderly residents accessing online emergency services
• First responders relying on real-time digital mapping
• Community organizations coordinating relief efforts

Statistics and Data to Consider

• Over 76% of Americans depend on mobile devices for critical alerts.
• 45% faster emergency response times have been reported when digital communications are unrestricted.
• Communities with limited or throttled internet access face 3x higher risks during natural disasters.

Four Noble Truth about Net Neutrality

1. Recognition: The current classification of ISPs as information services leaves communities vulnerable during crises.
2. Origin: This vulnerability stems from prioritizing business interests over public safety and treating internet access as a luxury rather than a utility.
3. Resolution: True network neutrality, enforced through proper regulatory framework, would ensure equal access to life-saving information.
4. Action Plan:
   • Support legislation recognizing internet as essential infrastructure
   • Advocate for FCC authority to regulate ISPs as common carriers
   • Develop emergency protocols requiring ISPs to maintain equal access during crises
   • Create community resilience plans that account for digital access

Net Neutrality is more than just a policy term or a rallying cry for consumer rights; it is a life-or-death matter for Los Angeles communities facing the immediate threat of wildfires. When critical evacuation alerts, real-time fire maps, and emergency calls risk being slowed or deprioritized, lives are on the line. The 2018 Verizon throttling incident in Santa Clara County Fire Department is a clear warning of the risks when network neutrality isn’t upheld.

Whether you’re a first responder on the ground or a resident who needs to know if you’re in the fire’s path, Net Neutrality remains a vital safeguard. To keep LA safe, we must advocate for policies that classify ISPs under Title II authority, preserve the FCC’s power to prevent discriminatory practices, and uphold the principle that all traffic—especially during emergencies—must be treated equally.

The next natural disaster won’t pause while we debate the finer points of internet regulation. The time to protect Net Neutrality is now. By supporting legislation, raising public awareness, and working hand-in-hand with advocates, we can ensure an open, fair internet that saves lives when it matters most.

Take Action:

• Contact your representatives about supporting net neutrality legislation
• Share your experiences about the importance of emergency communications
• Support organizations fighting for digital rights and equal access
• Stay informed about policies affecting internet regulation

Remember: The next natural disaster won't wait for better internet policies. The time to protect net neutrality is now.