Net Neutrality: Another Nail in the Proverbial Coffin
This is a hot topic that should get the attention of
everyone who uses the Internet and I suspect that is about 99.9999% of the
public. At least for those with a computer or smart phone for Internet access.
Definition of Net
neutrality, also referred to as Network neutrality or Internet
neutrality: The principle that Internet Service Providers (ISP) and
government should treat all data on the Internet equally,
not discriminating or charging differently by user, content, site, platform,
application, type of attached equipment, modes of communication, and the like.
Most Americans support that concept, I am sure, and although
a poll to that effect I have not seen, I think it's a safe bet.
The story that spoils all that is from several sources
including here from NPR. The heart of the story at all links
follows this line:
“In a decision that could reshape consumers' access to
entertainment, news and other online content, a federal appeals court Tuesday
set aside Federal Communications Commission rules designed to ensure that
transmission of all Internet content be treated equally.”
“The anti-discrimination and anti-blocking rules have barred
broadband providers from prioritizing some types of Internet traffic over
others. A three-judge panel said that the FCC has the authority to
regulate broadband providers' treatment of Internet traffic. However, the
judges concluded that the FCC failed to establish that its regulations don't
overreach.”
Logical Solution:
The FCC should go back and rewrite the rules to make that point clearer than
before. The principle is rock-solid and makes perfect sense for everyone to ensure
the principles of quality and fairness serve the public and not big
business the way this ruling would allow. That seems to be the heart of the issue.
No one is proposes that ISP’s don’t make money or compete, but this tier level
access for those with money vs. those without much money is not fair, and that
as I said, the key principle.
Stay tuned and see what Congress and the FCC do about this
obvious glitch that deals an unfair hand to the public.
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