Setback For Net Neutrality
Joe M posted in opinion on April 7th, 2010
Over the past couple of years, we have heard various arguments on Net Neutrality.
On one side, it seems as if internet providers may do whatever they wish with traffic, traversing their network
One could argue, that if they offer VOIP or phone service… they could, in practice, disable free VOIP applications.
That’s in hope that you will get frustrated and buy their VOIP service.
On the other side of the argument… You have the free and open internet.
To have any government or entity step in, and start regulating it… would detract from the internet economy.
Many see any regulation as a step in the wrong direction.
The things that make the internet a great environment, might cease to function.
That’s a simple explanation.
Today, The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. ruled that the FCC lacks authority to regulate the internet.
Early on… I was convinced that there needed to be regulation to help ‘the little guy.’
Recently, my feelings have changed.
In an open and free internet, without regulation, economies and innovation will thrive.
Boundaries are made to be broken.
Limitations are often an exercise that makes invention thrive.
With the government becoming more and more involved in our economy…
I am relieved to hear that the internet will still be open and free.
That’s free from regulation, free from tax and free from red tape.
According to some reports, the next move for the FCC, if they really want to pursue regulation…
Is to re-classify cable providers as communications companies.
It will be interesting to watch how all that unfolds.