Students who lack internet access in their homes are often at a clear educational disadvantage when compared to their peers who have internet access. (Photo: A Healthier Michigan)

Republicans on the Federal Communications Commission will begin the process of rolling back its net neutrality rules at a meeting on Thursday. Internet users could lose a source of leverage over monolithic internet service providers like AT&T and Comcast, but for low-income consumers, a repeal could mean the difference between staying connected and falling further behind.