Internet Neutrality Threatened

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In summary: Americans pay so much because they don't have a choice - Susan CrawfordLeft to their own devices, companies that supply internet access will charge high prices, because they face neither competition nor oversight - Susan CrawfordInteresting insight from your link:"Americans pay so much because they don't have a choice," says Susan Crawford, a former special assistant to President Barack Obama on science, technology and innovation policy. Although there are several national companies, local markets tend to be dominated by just one or two main providers. "We deregulated high-speed internet access 10 years ago and since then we've seen enormous consolidation and monopolies, so left to their own devices, companies that supply internet access will charge high prices, because they face neither
  • #1
zoobyshoe
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"Internet Neutrality" Threatened

Net neutrality is about to have its day in court at last -- but that might not be a good thing for its supporters.

Back in September at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, Verizon spoke its piece about how the Federal Communication Commission had allegedly exceeded its authority by enacting network neutrality relations on ISPs like Verizon.

If Verizon gets its way, the court will strike down the Net neutrality provisions adopted by the FCC in 2010. Those rules were set up to keep providers from creating "the equivalents of tollbooths, fast lanes, and dirt roads" on the Internet, as Marvin Ammori of Wired put it.

Verizon and many other Internet providers have been longing to put up those tollbooths and fast/slow lanes for some time now...

http://www.infoworld.com/t/net-neutrality/verizon-attacks-net-neutrality-in-dc-court-230248

This sounds bad. Another article I read said it would mean slower internet at higher prices. We may all have been enjoying a kind of golden age of internet that will soon end.

Net Neutrality:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Net_neutrality
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #2
zoobyshoe said:
http://www.infoworld.com/t/net-neutrality/verizon-attacks-net-neutrality-in-dc-court-230248

This sounds bad. Another article I read said it would mean slower internet at higher prices. We may all have been enjoying a kind of golden age of internet that will soon end.

Net Neutrality:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Net_neutrality
This is such nonsense. (not you zoob, the net neutrality nonsense) The internet is not a "thing". It is thousands of individual owners and governments that just have agreements to hand off traffic to each other. This is misinformation run amok, spread through fear and lack of understanding. No one owns or rules the internet.

Net neutrality is trying to tell ISPs and IXCs that they can't sell QOS to companies to provide better service on their websites, that's ridiculous. It would be like telling Greg that he can't buy more bandwidth if the site gets too slow.

I used to work for the largest IXC and part of what I did was advise companies on QOS. Customers were the ones that requested QOS.
 
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  • #3
zoobyshoe said:
This sounds bad. Another article I read said it would mean slower internet at higher prices. We may all have been enjoying a kind of golden age of internet that will soon end.

That's ironic, if you compare internet speeds and costs in the USA with the rest of the world. You are already near the bottom of the comparison charts.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24528383
 
  • #4
AlephZero said:
That's ironic, if you compare internet speeds and costs in the USA with the rest of the world. You are already near the bottom of the comparison charts.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24528383

Interesting insight from your link:

"Americans pay so much because they don't have a choice," says Susan Crawford, a former special assistant to President Barack Obama on science, technology and innovation policy.

Although there are several national companies, local markets tend to be dominated by just one or two main providers.

"We deregulated high-speed internet access 10 years ago and since then we've seen enormous consolidation and monopolies, so left to their own devices, companies that supply internet access will charge high prices, because they face neither competition nor oversight."
 
  • #5


I can understand the concerns raised by the potential threat to net neutrality. Net neutrality is the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally, without any discrimination or preference given to certain types of content or services. This allows for a fair and open internet where users have access to all information and services without interference from internet service providers (ISPs).

If the court were to strike down the net neutrality provisions, it could lead to a tiered internet system where ISPs can charge different prices for different types of content or services. This could result in slower internet speeds and higher prices for users, as mentioned in the article. It could also stifle innovation and competition, as smaller companies may not be able to afford the fees for faster internet access, giving larger companies an unfair advantage.

Furthermore, the potential end of net neutrality could also have implications for issues such as online privacy and free speech. If ISPs have the power to control and manipulate internet traffic, it could pose a threat to user privacy and limit the diversity of voices and opinions on the internet.

It is important for the court to consider the potential consequences of striking down net neutrality and for the FCC to continue to advocate for a fair and open internet. The internet has become an integral part of our lives and it is crucial that it remains a level playing field for all users.
 

1. What is internet neutrality and why is it being threatened?

Internet neutrality is the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally, without discrimination or preference given to certain types of content or users. It is being threatened because without regulations in place, internet service providers (ISPs) have the power to control and manipulate online traffic in favor of their own interests.

2. What are the potential consequences of losing internet neutrality?

If internet neutrality is lost, ISPs could potentially charge users extra fees for accessing certain websites or services, slow down or block access to certain websites, and favor their own content or services over competitors. This could lead to decreased competition, limited access to information, and increased costs for consumers.

3. Who is responsible for protecting internet neutrality?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for regulating and enforcing internet neutrality. However, in 2017, the FCC voted to repeal the regulations that protected internet neutrality, putting the responsibility in the hands of internet service providers.

4. How does internet neutrality affect small businesses and startups?

Without internet neutrality, small businesses and startups may face barriers to entry and growth on the internet. They may struggle to compete with larger, established companies who can afford to pay for faster internet speeds and preferential treatment from ISPs.

5. What can be done to protect internet neutrality?

Many advocates for internet neutrality are calling for legislation to be passed that would reinstate and strengthen regulations to protect it. Additionally, consumers can stay informed and support companies that advocate for internet neutrality. Contacting legislators and voicing concerns can also help raise awareness and push for change.

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