"Net Neutrality"

[ICantSpellDawg]

I think I finally understand the "net-neutrality" arguements. I am going to have to come down in favor of the FCC's moves even though it might hurt me as a high bandwith user. Up with "Stupid Networks", down with companies determining content which has nothing to do with their cost of doing business. Would you be in favor of the water company finding out whether you use water for showers, drinking, gardening, etc and charging you an arbitrary amount for each type of activity?

Probably not.

I also place more value on the development of content than the development of the physical utility. This development is consistent with my priorities. Just because you treat the ISP like a water or electrical company doesn't mean that they won't enhance their networks either, the recognition is simply that a top tier physical network is worthless when the content can't get through freely.

Either way, this arguement will most likely be dead in the water when we start to use mesh networks which increase bandwith with every new user.

What do you think?

[TinCow]

I think the FCC made a decent call here. I very strongly oppose allowing ISPs to regulate what content people can receive, so I am pleased with their stance in that regard. As for the cell phone regulations... I would prefer no limitations there either, but I understand why the FCC did what they did. Bandwidth is far more limited, and far more expensive, for broadcast data and so it's just an acknowledgment of the current limitations of our technology. I expect the cell phone rules will disappear over time as those limitations are overcome.

So, it gets my approval, which is somewhat remarkable since I hate the FCC with a passion.

[rory_20_uk]

I think that in a world of finite bandwidth it makes sense that those using a load suffer the first restrictions.

I would prefer that this applied regardless of what was being used - i.e. the fact one person is downloading HDTV should not be given higher priority of someone on an equal data requirement.

[Beskar]

They should stop cons like advertising in Megabits (opposed to Megabytes) and they should deliver the speeds they say they deliver.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

They should stop cons like advertising in Megabits (opposed to Megabytes) and they should deliver the speeds they say they deliver.

Good golly miss Molly. Beskar and I agree on a point of governance.

One vital role of government in the economy -- some would argue the ONLY role government should take -- is the minimization and punishment of fraud. That much regulation is needful and a public good.