Netowork Neutrality (I didn't get it)

**Consultant** · 03-07-08, 08:48 AM

http://www.videosift.com/video/Best-...Net-Neutrality

Like the title says, this is the best video I've seen that explains the importance of network neutrality.

I am sure that Ma Bell (no, not the one from BF2) has her own side of the story as to why telecom companies need as much control as they are seeking, but I figured it would be a good discussion.

What are your thoughts?

**Consultant** · 03-07-08, 08:50 AM

God - Can somebody move this to Off Topic? I have NO clue how i ended up posting this in here.

Thanks.

**w4jchosen** · 03-07-08, 09:59 AM

You got it...

**Manse** · 03-07-08, 10:18 AM

The Telecom companies have already pissed away billions of taxpayer dollars to not upgrade their lines, why should we quit now?

Net neutrality is a good thing, It's freedom of the press, except all digital and shiny.

**Tractorpull** · 03-07-08, 02:01 PM

A picture is worth a thousand words. This is where they want it.

**CivilWars** · 03-07-08, 02:05 PM

I look at this from a capitalist's perspective. Any company should have the right to charge what they choose for their product/service. If they charge too much another company will come in to take their place and put them out of business. Free enterprise at its finest.

**Consultant** · 03-07-08, 02:49 PM

I dont disagree with capitalism on the Web, but I have a problem with anybody regulating traffic or content of the internet - as long as it is legal content.

**CivilWars** · 03-07-08, 02:52 PM

Why should the Internet be different than any other industry? Should all cable/dish channels be free, or included for one price? If you want the package that has all the premium channels, all the sports channels, or any other channels you pay more than the guy who just wants the basics. Why should the Internet receive any special exemption?

**Ewok** · 03-07-08, 02:53 PM

Civil, while I generally hold that same view, I don't with the internet.

That view only works if another company can enter the market, so that competition occurs. Right now there is squat for competition because no-one can enter the market; the existing players are all that will be, and they all want to double-dip.

Companies don't overcharge from fear that a new upstart will come in and get their customers because of a lower price. This situation can't occur with the internet in the US because upstarts have to lease their lines from the original companies.

If we could have any number of companies offer internet service, I'd be all for letting them set their own price, because I'd know that there would be competition to lower the price.

**Ewok** · 03-07-08, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by CivilWars

Why should the Internet be different than any other industry? Should all cable/dish channels be free, or included for one price? If you want the package that has all the premium channels, all the sports channels, or any other channels you pay more than the guy who just wants the basics. Why should the Internet receive any special exemption?

Beause the people giving you your connection are also the content providers.

It would be like Dish Network starts you off with a package that only includes disk-sponsored channels that only do dish-approved things (imagine DiskNetwork-News at 8!). If you want your normal public broadcasted channels, you have to pay extra. These are the channels you used to be able to get for free, not the HBO / showtime channels.