The debate over net neutrality rages on and probably will for years to come as the two sides engage over the ever-evolving information landscape. Internet service providers (ISP’s) claim that massive consumers of bandwidth, such as Netflix and YouTube, should be obligated to pay extra due to the large amount of ‘traffic’ their service creates, and that poorly conceived legislation in defense of net neutrality could make the ISP’s themselves more prone to attacks from hackers. Proponents of net-neutrality argue that stratifying information over the Internet will set a dangerous precedent in a world that increasingly views unfettered access as a fundamental right. This week’s Wrap takes a look at some recent developments and commentary surrounding the debate.
America’s 10-Year Investment in Broadband Has Failed
Bloomberg
In the past ten years, the U.S has dropped from 10th to 16th in terms of fixed broadband
subscriptions per 100 people. Many blame a policy that inhibits competition between ISP’s for the metaphorical ‘last mile’ of communications connectivity between consumer and provider. Should the last mile be opened up for greater competition?
Comcast’s deal with Netflix makes network neutrality obsolete
Washington Post
Will the new Netflix/Comcast deal change the fundamental structure of the Internet? While ensuring a faster Netflix customer experience, could the deal render net neutrality legislation obsolete and create an Internet that costs more for everyone?
The underwood of net neutrality
The Economist
With large organizations already finding ways around legislation that narrowly defines net neutrality, will preferential ‘peering ‘ deals stifle innovation for small start-ups? The future of the open Internet is now being threatened by companies who will arrange to skip over regulated regions of Internet morass altogether making it more difficult for organizations with less leveraging power to secure favorable connectivity.
Net neutrality will be an issue that ISP’s, legislators and tech companies grapple over far into the future. With any luck, the average citizen and Internet user’s interest will be represented, even as service providers continue to cannibalize one another and consolidate power. As always, please share your thoughts and comments below.
