HallmarcDotNet

Mon, 27 Jan 2014

Network Neutrality Setback

Network Neutrality is an issue that I've been following for a long time.

The premise of Network Neutrality is that ISPs (like Cox, Comcast, and AT&T) should prioritize protocols (web traffic before email or DNS lookups before bit torrent) and regulate bandwidth hogs on their networks however they feel appropriate for their business. However, they shouldn't be allowed to prioritize content providers (Netflix over YouTube, hallmarc.net over Facebook), or their own content over their competitors'.

Recently, a federal appeals court ruled that the FCC's Network Neutrality regulations were invalid because the FCC has not chosen to classify broadband Internet access the same way it classifies your home phone — as a telecommunications service with equal access to all. If the FCC reclassifies Internet access, Network Neutrality will be restored.

Although you may not particularly admire the ACLU, I urge you to sign their petition in support of restoration of Net Neutrality.

If you are unsure about whether to take my word for it, or have questions about the implications for society at large, please refer to these resources for more information:

• Wikipedia's article on Net Neutrality
• The Wall Street Journal's Net Neutrality coverage
• The Electronic Frontier Foundation's summary
• The FCC's current rulemaking and policy

As always, I am happy to answer any other questions you might have.

Thank you! I appreciate your thoughtful consideration.