Net Neutrality (FINALLY) Hits Capitol Hill

[Black King]

Testifying on a bill that would set U.S. broadband policy and mandate an FCC study, RIAA chairman/CEO Mitch Bainwol stated before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet on Capitol Hill yesterday that it was "a touch premature" to pass the Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008.

According to Billboard, “the bill, introduced in February by Subcommittee chairman Edward Markey (D-Mass.), would establish a federal broadband policy to, among other things, maintain the freedom to use broadband networks in a lawful manner without unreasonable interference or discrimination by network operators. It would also direct the FCC to conduct a proceeding, as well as public summits, to assess competition, consumer protection and consumer choice issues relating to broadband Internet access services. This could include the addition of quality-of-services charges for certain Internet applications and service providers.”

The bill is at the center of the controversial subject of so-called "net neutrality," inspiring claims that some Internet service providers (ISPs) block or control consumers' access to certain applications or content, like very large digital files. There have also been claims that some ISPs promote their own content -- thus discriminating against -- other content.

In responding to questions, Bainwol said that the current piracy situation in the music industry "comes close to crisis" but added that "we approach these issues with a sense of balance." Bainwol applauded the bill for what he saw as "clearly and directly articulating that unlawful activity can be dealt with by network management," but said the private marketplace should work for solutions before legislation.

In a written statement submitted to the Subcommittee, , "If effective marketplace solutions cannot be reached soon,” Bainwol said ina written statement, “then government regulation may well be necessary..."

Yikes!

Meanwhile, Walter McCormick, president/CEO of the U.S. Telecom Assn., testified against the bill, saying that it includes terms that are ambiguous, such as "unreasonably" and "discriminatory." He said the ambiguity "will chill innovation, investment, broadband deployment and job growth."

…and the battle rages on...

Just thought i bring this to everyone's attention since this is a big issue effecting all of us.

 

[Karma]

ive been telling people about this and why its important to write to their representatives to KEEP net neutrality for a couple years now. if Telecom companies have their way, MOST of us will probably not even be able to enjoy this board. they want to make it so that ISP's can limit where we surf online based on how much we pay. a tier system. the more you pay the "highe priority" your net access is considered and you may be able to do what you do now.

there's nothing to be gained by the CONSUMER if Net Neutrality ends and with Comcast and A T&T gobling up the competition both in the north and the south, "competition" is really just a MYTH.

dont think this WONT affect you, because it WILL if Congress isnt urged to PRESERVE Net Neutrality.

 

[Black King]

there are a few people who might benefit a little by net non-neutral acess but that's the few (and diminishing) who don't use the internet much if at all.

I did a little research on the subject to do a paper on it. funny thing no one brings up when they mention net neutrality, bandwidth and packet monitoring also open up your ISP to see what data is passing around. They can choose what information they block or prioritize. Fun fact in 2007 Verizon blocked messages organizing a Pro-choice rally even though the receivers explicitly signed up to receive the messages. There are many many more cases like this from different companies. Bandwidth monitoring gives companies unfair control to our flow of information in addition to pricing issues.

 

[Firebird]

Too premature my ass! What are they waiting for, its already happening especially with Verizon, AT&T, etc. I personally like my freedom online and I don’t think they need to micro manage my time at the cost of my gross paycheck. These restrictions would effect the economy big time. Look at the vast amount of people who shop online during the holidays or major sales. Let’s not forget about people who own their own business that depend on the amount of active hits that browse their web site. It could also back fire for credit card companies or cell phone companies for people who pay bills online.