Final answer:
The broadband revolution is different from past technological revolutions due to its impact on global media access, promotion of consumer empowerment, and potential for increased corporate control of the internet. It's also characterized by a digital divide based on the technology used for internet access. The FCC's decisions on net neutrality and other regulatory measures will shape the broadband landscape.
Step-by-step explanation:
The broadband revolution is distinct from prior technological advances in several significant ways. In previous transformations, the focus was on the invention of new products, the enhancement of production methods, or the refinement of company management. With broadband technology, however, we are witnessing an unprecedented change in global media access and communication. The development of fiber optic networks and 4G and 5G wireless technologies has not only increased bandwidth, facilitating the use of image and video communication but is also displacing traditional media like broadcast television.
The broadband revolution has led to dual outcomes: On one hand, it has promoted consumer empowerment through spin-off technologies like free Internet-based calling and video calling, as well as democratized content creation with the rise of blogs, vlogs, and social media platforms. On the other hand, it's enabling the corporatization of the internet where large corporations can control content delivery speeds and potentially shape content availability, overshadowing individual and peer-to-peer communication.
Furthermore, there is an emerging digital divide, where the means of accessing the Internet (e.g., mobile devices) is affecting the types of online activities people can easily perform, thus impacting empowerment versus entertainment. The regulatory landscape, as shaped by entities like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), plays a critical role in determining the future of broadband, with decisions affecting net neutrality and ensuring fair access to the technology without widening the gap between the 'haves' and 'have-nots'.