Net Neutrality

[econwriter5]

Has anyone been following the latest telecommincations bill making its ways through Congress, and the subsequent firestorm over so-called "net neutrailty"? Depending on the final lanugage, if it is even considered with the telecom bill, it will have implications for everyone.

[I, Brian]

I've been hearing a lot of interesting arguments on this, but not too deeply.

At it's heart seems to be a battle between different billion dollar corporations for commercial advantage.

Seems some ISPs - not least Google - think they can leapfrog telecoms providers and supply wireless internet access directly for free. The telecoms providers obviously aren't happy as the impression given is that they feel Google is abusing it's access to telecoms networks by stealing users for themselves.

Overall, not a situation I've got into much, but I tend to be wary of the emotive arguments suggesting anything negative is going to happen to the internet - as opposed to some ISPs having to pay more for their connections than others.

2c.

[econwriter5]

The debate actually gets confusing. They're tossing in content delivery, and charging more for delivering Flash-related content and videos vs. just straight HTML. There's actually a really good website that is a video about net neutrality. It breaks it down pretty well. I'll have to find it. I think I booked marked it at work.

Looks like the Senate cut the net neutrality amendment though. This ought to be interesting....

[I, Brian]

As usualy, government bills being watered down. Let's see if it's not a completely useless fudge that inconveniences everybody.

[imported_hoosierhunter]

Nod. I've seen a lot of rumor and revision in these concepts. I can't see them gaining any ground anytime soon.

[imported_triumph]

I wonder where this all will end up. As a former ISP owner, I am very much concerned about all this, especially as a web publisher now. I liken it to the Satellite and Cable outfits who are double-dipping on content as well. They charge customers ot get the content, and charge the networks to be carried. I really hope this is shot down. It will really slant the accessibility of the net to those with the deepest pockets.