How IoT and connected devices could be affected by net neutrality

When the FCC voted to end net neutrality, removing the rules preventing Internet Service Providers from blocking or slowing traffic, many people took it as a wake—up call and then promptly forgot about it. Stories at the start often talked about how mobile carriers, television, and the Internet would be affected. A less-talked-about topic? How will net neutrality affect the Internet of Things?

One concern around net neutrality is big companies, like Comcast and Verizon, could choose to slow down Internet access for websites from competing companies, even competing Internet providers. But our IoT devices also connect through these companies — smart home speakers and connected thermostats all require Internet access. That means big companies could, theoretically, slow down your data if you use a competing brand of smartphone or other connected device.

For example, if Verizon made its own connected thermostat, it could quicken the traffic flow for itself and slow down for competing gadgets from, say, Comcast. Huge broadband companies would be able to dictate which connected devices are easier to use.

It's not surprising that states are taking the matter of net neutrality on themselves. States, including Hawaii, New York, Vermont, Montana, and New Jersey, have adopted their own regulations, demanding net neutrality.

Despite the FCC's decision, the issue of net neutrality is not over, with its impact on IoT devices still to be seen.