California Could Soon Have The Strongest Net Neutrality Laws In The US

In summer 2018, California passed net neutrality laws banning state internet providers from throttling connectivity speeds on some sites and giving priority to others.

Internet users in California could avoid slower speeds, expensive add-ons and unequal access to sites thanks to a state-approved legislation that effectively reinstates net neutrality.

In June 2018, the Federal Communications Commission repealed net neutrality laws across the US and plunged the future of the internet in America into confusion. Without neutrality regulations, internet providers can slow access to certain sites and boost the speeds of others. They can also ask users to pay extra to use the internet for certain apps and services.

The bill in California would prevent that. At the end of August, it was cleared with a final vote in the Senate, which passed 23-11. California governor Jerry Brown still has to sign the legislation and has given no indication whether he will, but it has the support of top politicians in the state.

Net neutrality laws in California could reinstate user protection

California had a taste of the implications of net neutrality in August, when Santa Clara County firefighters had their internet service throttled during the largest fire in the modern history of the state. The county’s fire chief wrote in a federal court filing that the department’s data connection had been slowed down to 1/200 of its normal rate.

Representatives for the internet provider Verizon Wireless told the fire department it had exceeded its data limit and suggested they buy a plan at more than double the cost, court documents show. Verizon has claimed the situation arose due to a customer service error.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.