Net Neutrality
A topic that’s been gaining a lot of momentum lately has been around the issue of “Net Neutrality.” I mentioned this briefly in one of my earlier entries and thought I’d follow up and provide a Crash Course in form of 11 facts about the issue to help educate what it’s all about.
1. Net neutrality is the principle that advocates all Internet traffic be treated equally.
2. Proponents of net neutrality fear that Internet and phone companies will create a 2-tiered Internet with a so-called, “fast lane” and “slow lane,” with access to the fast lane for a premium price.
3. There are 3 principle definitions of net neutrality:
b) Limited discrimination with Quality of Service tiering (QofS discrimination allowed as long as no special fee is charged for higher quality service)
c) Limited discrimination and tiering (Higher fees for quality of service provided there is no exclusivity in contracts)
4. In 2005, the FCC issued an Internet policy statement outlining 4 principles of open Internet which consumers are entitled to:
b) Run the lawful applications of their choice
c) Connect lawful devices of their choice
d) Use the Internet service provider of their choice
5. Arguments IN FAVOR of net neutrality:
- Cable companies cannot screen, interrupt or filter Internet content without court order
- Ensures the Internet remains a free and open technology
- Creates an even playing field for competition and innovation
6. High profile advocates FOR net neutrality:
- Vonage
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Ebay
7. Arguments AGAINST net neutrality:
- Govt legislation could prevent ISPs from preventing email spam and Denial of Service attacks
8. High profile advocates AGAINST net neutrality (primarily made up of larger hardware companies and cable/telecom companies):
- Verizon
9. Despite previously speaking out in favor of net neutrality, Google recently proposed an agreement with Verizon that would allow for the creation of a higher speed “private” Internet that sites could pay a premium to use.
10. The FCC recently halted closed door meetings with several large Internet companies after massive public outcry
11. The Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009 was introduced in Congress by Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) in an effort to make net neutrality the law of the land.
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