#9 Eoto- Net Neutrality key post

To surf or not to surf at greater speeds is critical to innovation.  This blogger is not talking about hitting a wave but Net neutrality. Professor Tim Wu of Columbia University in 2003, invented the term "network neutrality" about online discrimination. At the time, some broadband providers banned home internet users from accessing virtual private networks (VPNs), while others banned using Wi-Fi routers. We worried that broadband providers could restrict and called for anti-discrimination rules.

Advocates have long argued that keeping the internet an open playing field is crucial for innovation. Net Neutrality has been scrutinized by the Federal Communications Commission for years trying to put controls in place. Is the problem government involvement? This issue has spanned multiple presidential administrations stating they are trying to enforce net neutrality protections..When Title II classification was established by the FCC in 2014, it was overturned in 2017.  Supporters and those that pay for services of the internet must continue the battle to fight. The internet access service, which is the only way to have strong net neutrality rules that allow customers to have a reasonable expectation of consistent, reliable, and nondiscriminatory services. After a series of legal defeats at the hands of broadband providers, freeing broadband providers to block content as they see fit unless Congress or the courts block the decision. The battles that go on in congress and the house of representatives are becoming more and more volatile are these decisions are based on what is good for the people, good for corporations, or the political party.

Let's think about this… should broadband providers be able to pick favorites online? Would this be fair to new companies, new technologies, a new business which could enhance our society? When these companies have NO rules preventing blocking of websites, services, or content online what could happen? For example, if internet providers didn’t think movie streaming was the wave of the future would this mean no Netflix, Hulu, or Peacock? Net neutrality could and we have seen free expression being stifled because large telecommunications companies dominate the broadband market. Yet today there are no rules preventing throttling or slowing down of websites or services online.  What happens if a CEO or billionaire isn’t favorable to controversial issues they could suppress particular online speech and views to those who can pay the most. This could also influence candidate selections into the political race environment. The candidate not getting enough air time against his opponent. If you only see one point of view, how are you to learn both sides to make a choice on a candidate or political issue when freedom of speech could be at risk.

Most large broadband providers promised not to block or throttle content. But yet there are NO rules preventing paid prioritization where broadband providers give preferential treatment to some websites and services over others. Therefore, Net neutrality could allow some companies, unions, individuals to pay for priority treatment on broadband networks. The fear is that, over time, those that either can't afford priority treatment, could experience business failure limiting societal innovation.