Week #7 Assignment

Net Neutrality


What is it?: Net neutrality is the principle that says all information flowing across the internet should be treated equally. This allows the network to carry every form of information and support every kind of application. The theory behind the network neutrality principle, which the internet sometimes gets close to, is that a neutral network should be expected to deliver the most to a nation and the world economically and socially. The argument is whether companies for the internet should be allowed to charge providers for the privilege of reaching viewers.


Questions about it?: The biggest question about net neutrality seems to be the simple question of, "What is neutral?". Everyone's ideas of neutrality seem to differ, causing this issue to have several problems. Another question is what business models are the phone and cable companies attempting to preserve by opposing Net Neutrality. Most of the questions surrounding this issue seem to be directed towards the companies themselves and ask about motives and where this issue seems to be heading.


Who is for/against it?: Companies that are FOR net neutrality such as Google, Yahoo, Vonage, Ebay, Amazon, IAC and Microsoft. Some companies that are AGAINST net neutrality are large hardware companies and members of the cable and telecommunications industries. Other companies against net neutrality are Cato Institute, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Goldwater Institute and Americans for Tax Reform.

My thoughts: I would have to say that I am for net neutrality. I think it makes sense to have everything equal on the internet and that in the end, all these raising of fees will all come down to the consumers, us. I do not like the idea of telecommunication companies controlling what sites can be visited and when it is allowed to view them. I feel like if the internet is not broken, why fix it? The net is safe, fair and neutral the way it is right now--with our choice of websites, our choice of when and where to visit and our choice of the experience we receive from them. The more government intervention and regulation that comes about, the less neutral and free the internet is going to be. I use many sites such as Google, Amazon and Youtube, and though it sounds horrible to say - I would definitely have a hard time without them. I also do not agree with the censorship that would change if there is not net neutrality. My beliefs have sparked from these 3 outside sources:

ARTICLE: http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/06/09/newmark.internet/

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iqw2tgw5mE

INTERVIEW: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE48TqymnR0