Assignment 9 : Internet Neutrality

The Battle Over Net Neutrality

1) What is network neutrality?

Net neutrality (also network neutrality or Internet neutrality) is the principle that Internet service providers and governments should treat all data on the Internet equally, not discriminating or charging differentially by user, content, site, platform, application, type of attached equipment, and modes of communication. The term was coined by Columbia media law professor Tim Wu in 2003 as an extension of the longstanding concept of a common carrier Proponents often see net neutrality as an important component of an open internet, where policies such as equal treatment of data and open web standards allow those on the internet to easily communicate and conduct business without interference from a third part.

Why has the internet operated under net neutrality up to this point in time?

The Internet has become such a critical communications infrastructure, the ability for a network operator to decide what information is allowed to pass freely and quickly, or slowly or not at all, runs counter to the well-established tradition of acceptable common carrier behavior. Many see this as a direct threat to our economy, our politics, our educational and healthcare systems, our security, and our basic values and freedoms. While all parties appear to agree that openness is good, they disagree strongly about the degree to which we need to guarantee it by law.

2) Who is favor of net neutrality? Who is opposed, Why?

Who is favor of net neutrality?

For those who support strong, enforceable net neutrality rules, the current legal environment is untenable

Because every infraction has to be recognized and challenged on an individual basis. Infractions can easily go unnoticed until real harm has occurred, and even when they are revealed, it is not clear whether any federal agency has the authority to act.

Court settlements are costly and can take years to resolve; because of the speed with which the Internet economy evolves, most supporters of net neutrality believe that the current legal system is not equipped to deal with these issues.

Who is opposed?

Those who oppose new net neutrality regulations such as internet services provider

Because they would limit the investment needed to deploy and improve broadband networks. Network development is capital-intensive and is almost exclusively accomplished through private investment. Many broadband service providers feel that the current system—despite the recent Comcast ruling—remains sufficient and that both the FCC and the Federal Trade Commission have the authority to resolve these issues. Opponents of new regulations believe that the issues that have come up since 2005 have been dealt with properly and argue that there is no reason to believe there will be any increase in these types of activity.

3) What would be the impact on individual user, businesses, and government of internet providers switched to a tiered service model?

Tiered service structures allow users to select from a small set of tiers at progressively increasing price points to receive the product or products best suited to their needs. Such systems are frequently seen in the telecommunications field, specifically when it comes to wireless service, digital and cable television options, and broadband internet access. When a wireless company, for example, charges customers different amounts based on the number of voice minutes, text messages, and other features they desire, the company is utilizing the principle of tiered service. This is also seen in charging different prices for services such as the speed of one's internet connection and the number of cable television channels one has access to.

Individual user

Tiered service helps to keep quality of service standards for high profile applications like streaming video or VoIP. This comes at a cost of increasing costs for better service levels

Businesses

§  Internet provider company – will decrees their cost

§  The business – increase the effectiveness and efficiency

§  “ pay more for the better services”

§  Especially for the international company.

Government

§  Government regulation

§  Government can control the people that freely express their ideas in a forum as open and egalitarian as possible.

4) Are you in favor of legislation network neutrality?

Yes, we are support of legislation network neutrality.

Most of the personal work in internet is in paid form, if you don’t pay they are not going to give you full document.