Net neutrality was killed in the US in 2017[1]. One lie Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and their allies used to promote this was that people would benefit by having ISPs make some sites and services' data access free or cheaper.
Also: VPN services: The ultimate guide to protecting your data[2]
This concept is known as zero rating[3]. With a zero-rating plan, you won't be charged for some data counting against your data cap when you use data for a particular service. For example, if you use AT&T Wireless[4], you won't get charged for watching DirecTV Now[5]. When you subscribe to Virgin Mobile you're not charged for data[6] used with WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Twitter.
Sounds good, doesn't it? Think again.
It's a con
First, this "pay for play" plan only works for big content providers. Second, someone still has to pay for that bandwidth so content providers will pass along their higher broadband bills by increasing their fees. Finally, say you're on AT&T Wireless, but you prefer YouTube TV[7] or Sling TV[8]. Well, too bad for you.
I like choosing my own services rather than having my ISP choose for me. I'm funny that way. The ISPs, by the way, know that people tend to pick what appears to be a short-term "free" deal over a long-term good deal. They said as much in their document asking for the end of net neutrality to the FCC in 2016[9]. I guess that's not very surprising in a business world, which always values the next quarter's results looking good rather than solid growth.
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So much for 'free data'
We now