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It’s OK for Comcast to slow the download speed of its subscribers who download files from Bit Torrents, said the DC Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, curtailing the FCC’s efforts to enforce “net neutrality”.
Net neutrality is the principle that all Internet content be treated equally by Internet service providers (ISP’s). Bit Torrents is a file sharing service with users often downloading huge amounts of data. Net neutrality says it doesn’t matter. Subscribers should not be penalized for the content of their downloads or how much of that content is downloaded. But, you see, Bit Torrent downloaders use more bandwidth than those who don’t. So to penalize these users for using more of its bandwidth Comcast decreased their download speeds from Bit Torrents. Sound fair to you? How about when you are penalized for something else Comcast doesn’t like?
You see – the court didn’t just say Comcast could do this to their subscribers. The court said the FCC did not have the authority to impose net neutrality to stop that practice or any other practice by any ISP. The FCC does not have the authority under its mandate.
Some commentators suggest the FCC work with the telecommunications giants to find something that would appeal to them. Sure – that’s the way we regulate in this country. With the commingling of regulators and those they regulate, no one is really sure who’s regulating whom.
No, the answer is Congressional action. A bill guaranteeing net neutrality would, according to some, sail through Congress – a rare occasion these days.
So why is this a big deal? Well, just think about where we men spend at least some time surfing. Women too, I’d guess. ISP’s could easily exercise moral judgment and make those porn sites just a bit more difficult or expensive to access, if access is permitted at all. Sin taxes come to broadband access. The New York Times used Youtube as an example of a site which could be chosen for pay access by an ISP. Or pick your own content – any content – from right to die, Islamic fundamentalism, Glenn Beck, Keith Olbermann, Westboro Baptist Church
Please take a few minutes and drop emails to your senators and congressman. Urge them to pass a law ensuring net neutrality.
For more detailed info on Comcast v. FCC:
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1 comment:
Comcast is EVIL!
On another note, I suppose one could just switch to another provider such as AT&T or Verizon. If enough users switched to another service provider, Comcast would have to adjust their business model and cease penalizing customers who use the internet for the fun things it has to offer. However, if consumers let Comcast "get away" with this, then it would probably lead to other ISP's restricting download speeds or begin charging based on bandwith usage.
I see parallels between the ISP's and the airline industry with the ridiculous baggage fees that are being imposed on travelers. However, with unpopular decisions, comes opportunity. Look at Southwest; they continue to turn profits, or at least lose less money, in comparison to these other airlines charging exorbitant fees. In addition, this would create an opportunity for a new company to enter the market, acting as the "Southwest" of the ISP world. Google comes to mind.
I have become a huge fan of Google for the decisions the company has made in the past (with the exception of keeping user data), and look forward to the day when I can purchase internet service from them instead of Comcast.
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