Hello:
Here is a reprint of an article I wrote over at Black Web 2.0. It is gaining a lot of buzz. What do you think of Net Neutrality.
There is a lot of buzz surrounding Net Neutrality. Consumers want to know how it affects them in regards to their Internet service. In this article, I will attempt to explain Net Neutrality in plain terms and further explain what is means for you, the consumer.
Net Neutrality
Net Neutrality is the principle that everyone regardless of wealth, power, or influence should have the same access to the Internet.
Does everyone have the same access to the Internet?
Apparently not. The Federal Communications Commissions imposed sanctions against Comcast when it discovered the cable giant discriminated against peer-to-peer networking file traffic in an effort to restrict bandwidth usage demand on its broadband network. Comcast is appealing this decision. Consumers have also alleged the principle providers of broadband service, are charging a premium to consumers who require faster connections, better quality of service, and larger bandwidths to transmit data.
Federal Communications Policy regarding Internet Freedoms
The FCC imposed sanctions against Comcast based on the Four Internet Freedoms enacted in 2005. Due to numerous consumer complaints and vocal opposition from the cable industry, last fall, the FCC included two more rules to round out the set. They are as follows:
1. Consumers are entitled to access the lawful Internet content of their choice.
2. Consumers are entitled to run applications and use services of their choice, subject to the needs of law enforcement.
3. Consumers are entitled to connect their choice of legal devices that do not harm the network.
4. Consumers are entitled to competition among network providers, application and service providers, and content providers.
5. Broadband providers cannot block or degrade lawful traffic over their networks, favor certain content or applications over others and cannot “disfavor an Internet service just because it competes with a similar service offered by that broadband provider.”
6. Broadband providers must be transparent about the service they are providing and how they are running their networks.
The FCC announced their intention to formally adopt all 6 rules that will become the FCC policy on Net Neutrality. The Commission requested public comment and debate regarding the proposed rules and will make its final decision this year.
How Does Net Neutrality Affect the Consumer?
Net Neutrality benefits the consumer because the consumer will be confident they can use the Internet at an affordable flat rate without having to pay for faster connections or more bandwidth. Also consumers can rest assured that if they are using a large amount of bandwidth, the cable operators would not be able to block their Internet access.
Net Neutrality particularly affects business consumers who offer VoIP, downloadable movies, gaming and other services that require a great deal of bandwidth. These business consumers argue that Net Neutrality is needed so they can effectively compete with Cable operators that may offer the same services.
How Does Net Neutrality Affect Cable Operators?
Of course, cable operators and other Internet Service Providers are against Net Neutrality. The cable operators argue they have to charge a premium for better quality of service (faster connections, larger bandwidth). Understandably, the Cable operators argue that they will not be able to invest in better networks and connections if they cannot charge a premium to those who “tax” the broadband system. They also contend that Net Neutrality will stifle competition and result in higher flat rates for consumers.
The bottom line is that there needs to be some type of balance regarding Net Neutrality Rules. Yes the Internet should be open and non-discriminatory. However, providers of broadband and other Internet services should be able to charge a bit more for consumers who tax their service.
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