Any Thoughts On "Net Neutrality"?

bymarant

699 followers

11 years ago

Today the internet in the United States was officially regulated by the FCC when it invoked its Title II Authority and reclassified broadband as a utility. This move by the regulatory agency will allow it to do things like regulate minimum broadband speeds (upped it to 25mbs for consumers) and prohibit fees for access to higher broadband speeds to consumers and high consumption networks (like Netflix). It also, ironically, allows for vague statements like "slow down for lawful content and services".

Proponents say it will keep the net open and insure higher speed service remains available and affordable to small business and individuals.Basically its biggest function will be to reign in ISP's and consumer networks like Verizon who hold all the cards at the moment.It is also designed to encourage and preserve diversity.

Critics say its tough regulations will discourage investment in infrastructure,create a slowdown in technology development, and result in a set of "balkanized" ISP's offering poor quality and service.

They point out that regulators do not understand the technology involved well enough to regulate it. They are also upset this groundbreaking regulatory move was made without any input from Congress.

This is my basic understanding of the move. What do you think?