Web giants call for equal Internet traffic rules

[KeepItReal]

Source: CNET

Major Web companies called on US regulators to establish rules requiring all Web traffic be treated the same way -- regardless of what network it's routed through -- weighing in yet again on Net neutrality issues as federal officials consider new rules governing the open Internet.

The Internet Association -- a trade group that represents 36 companies including Google, Netflix, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, eBay, Yahoo, and PayPal -- submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission on Monday to formally oppose a proposal to let Internet service providers charge content providers for priority access in their networks.

The FCC is currently weighing a proposal to establish guidelines to protect the open Internet. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has suggested a so-called fast lane for priority traffic on the Internet as part of his proposal -- an idea that critics say could lead to much slower Internet service for those unwilling to pay extra.

Net neutrality is the principle that Internet providers and governments should treat all Internet traffic the same. This means that ISPs should not block or slow down traffic on their broadband networks based on individual users, the type of traffic those users are accessing, or the type of service that is sending the content.

Read more: http://www.cnet.com/news/major-us-web-companies-call-for-equal-internet-traffic-rules/

[SharonAnn]

2. If it operated like a utility, then those who use more would pay more.

We have this concept in landline phone usage, cell phone usage, water/electric/gas usage, etc.

If the source pays more then the cost gets apportioned to all users. if the end user pays for excess over a certain amount, then the user is paying for what they use.

I know this is not how it has been, but it may be realistic to consider this for the future.

[Ed Suspicious]

3. It's about speed of traffic. Companies pay for bandwidth when they pay hosting fees.

At issue is the speed as throttled by ISPs. You are solving the wrong issue. Your solution attacks something that isn't a problem.

[Fearless]

5. Utter garbage.

Internet speed is not a commodity! There isn't a finite amount available. Telecoms put artificial limits on such things so they can charge premiums to pad their bottom lines. Do you really think that there's different equipment between the 1mbps you get and the 10mbps the neighbor gets? There isn't. It's the same system. Same lines. Same routers. Same everything. Software limits your speed. So using the same equipment you pay $40 less than your neighbor because they can cut costs? No, for $40 more your neighbor gets slightly better speed because they alter the software throttle on their identical equipment and they make BANK off it.

So now they want to do this with specific websites traffic. Would it be illegal for Comcast to slow down competing movie providers (such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, or Hulu) in favor of their own streaming service? Or would that be ok now? Would it be fine if they decided that websites like Democratic Underground are anti-corporation and should be slowed to a crawl because it would benefit them if we disappeared? How can you assume objectivity out of corporations allowed to police themselves???

[Uncle Joe]

4. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, KeepItReal.

[KeepItReal]

6. You're welcome, Uncle Joe

Hope Tom Wheeler of the FCC backs down on his proposal.

[reddread]

7. not everyone feels the $ame

http://colorofchange.org/campaign/cbc/original_email/

http://www.wired.com/2010/11/color-of-change-bobby-rush/