Sorry, I’m not usually political around here.
Currently the FCC is reviewing possible regulation to prevent discrimination against traffic on the internet. At the same time two bills are in congress to prevent the FCC from regulating this new medium. This battle is pretty vital to fundamental rights and the economy. Even from a purely consumer standpoint it’s vital. Otherwise we’ll be seeing things that are similar to the ridiculous $1300 per megabyte pricing on SMS messages, only it’ll be on innovative technologies like Voice Over Internet Calling (VOIP), internet video (hulu/youtube/etc.) or even access to things like Google.
The FCC’s approach isn’t perfect, and most times I’m against regulation of any kind. However, the current regulation posed by the FCC is intended to allow the internet to grow unfettered by selfish business interests. Will it have unintended consequences? Possibly. On the other hand, the bills offered by members of congress will have immediate chilling effect. They will allow ISP’s to protect their business models indefinitely at the expense of everyone in the United States.
This will hurt the economy badly, especially in the realm of innovation and new business creation, all for the sake of the few. Stopping this creates a retro-active bailout, allowing ISP’s to compete via subterfuge.
Worse, lack of non-discrimination regulation means “trustworthy” companies like AT&T and Comcast can decide if they really want you to see that review of their customer service quality… or they can decide if they want to let you post or let anyone read your political/religious views online.
Free Speech/Press are vital to democracy. The internet provides the most ideal form of these ideas. Previously, you had freedom of speech, but only as much as the money you had for a PA system. You had freedom of the press, but only if you could afford a press and find an effective delivery method. Now infinitely powerful PA’s and presses and delivery systems are available for free at your local library. But some of the old press owners are not too thrilled. They didn’t mind so much, until it interfered with their business model.
Check out SaveTheInternet.com They’re pretty evenhanded, acknowledging the weaknesses of the FCC plan and exposing the hypocrisy of the “Internet Freedom Act”, which only frees ISP’s in regard to the net.
