Net Neutrality...... What is it all about?
I have been learning about net neutrality this week. Once again, it seems that regulations can't keep up with the rate at which technology advances and the way that it can be taken advantage of.
Net neutrality is the ideology that an ISP should not be allowed to block or limit access to content over the Internet to force subscribers to use a different application or only view content in a way the ISP wishes you to.
Why would an ISP try to do this you may ask??? Good question. Try to imagine that an ISP has its own phone book that allows users to find a business phone listing online. Now imagine that this phone book only lists businesses that have paid a fee to be listed. Further this by the ISP now blocking its subscribers from viewing or searching any other phone book site other than the one that the ISP owns. Thus the ISP is now forcing the users to use their phone book which the ISP is making money on.
My thoughts... I believe that the FCC and legislators need to first determine the authority to govern the ISPs the same as other utilities. The subscribers pay for the physical connection to the Internet. The content is free!!! The Internet has become such an ingrained part of our life, culture, society - that it needs to be deemed a utility such as electricity or cable. It is possible for someone to choose a different supplier as long as the fees are paid to the owner of the lines... one power company who may own the power lines in an area can't dictate which other power companies can have access to their power lines, they can only request a few for the connection. Why should it be any different for the Internet?
I will post again soon.....
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