I don't get the net neutrality thing.

[zullumaster]

Sad part is I do billing for an internet company. But I mean if they are going to make a "fast lane" and a "slow lane" what's the point of paying for faster internet speeds?

[sodacat]

How about a visual guide:

[BillPratt]

Pretty close, but it also works in the other direction, too.

"Mnyaaahhhh. So you wanna compete with Skype, eh kid? You gotta pay... extra, see?"

[Prof_Sai]

Remember Compuserve and AOL, where the network provider ultimately controlled all the content? Without net neutrality, the internet returns to something like that. If a new web site becomes popular, the ISP can make a knockoff version, and slow down the original. They won't tell you this is happening. All you will know is that YouTube is always slow and stuttering but ComcastTube runs quickly.

Soon it would be pointless for anyone to come up with new service ideas, because anything successful will get that treatment from the ISPs, or be hit up for cash to be allowed to work on comcast's network.

[thrandrall]

And of course...the system now is broke and the federal government must fix the interwebs under Title 2 Utility mandates (dating to the 30s) because their record is stellar.

If it ain't broke - don't fix it - and definitely not the feds.

[Snowglare]

Originally Posted by sodacat

How about a visual guide:

I bet this is how cable companies think the internet should work.

The #1 reason for net neutrality? One less thing that makes the rest of the world laugh at us. We already have absurdly slow internet thanks to legalized monopolies. If we let corporations restrict content in any way, we'll end up worse than China.

[thrandrall]

A better example:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/waynecre...ent-providers/

I'm thinking that "Net Neutrality" will wind up making internet access a lot more expensive - like the incredibly overpriced and over-regulated internet I saw in visiting Australia. (no free wifi in hotels/starbucks, etc...up to $15/night for wired internet in a $100/night hotel).

[Drachen]

Originally Posted by thrandrall

I'm thinking that "Net Neutrality" will wind up making internet access a lot more expensive

Net Neutrality was what we had from the beginning until this Jan thanks to the US Supreme Court.

[thrandrall]

Originally Posted by Drachen

Net Neutrality was what we had from the beginning until this Jan thanks to the US Supreme Court.

Hmmm...maybe the terminology is changing on me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Net_neutrality

I know I read some of the technical opinions previously (when this first started coming up a couple years ago). Also...looking like the FCC was against it before it was for it...seems to wind back and forth - but personally, I'm against additional government intervention in most areas (they do more than enough damage already).

edit - and after the NSA revelations last year....I can only imagine what they'd get up to next.

[thrandrall]

Originally Posted by Drachen

Net Neutrality was what we had from the beginning until this Jan thanks to the US Supreme Court.

Also looks like it was the DC Circuit Court - hasn't made it to the Supreme Court yet.

[Drachen]

Originally Posted by thrandrall

Also looks like it was the DC Circuit Court - hasn't made it to the Supreme Court yet.

Whoops, you are correct. I incorrectly recalled that the Supreme Court did not seek a review. The FCC just decided not to appeal.

[Prof_Sai]

A better analogy:

Imagine if taxis and busses decided to charge not just riders, but destinations as well. If the mall or the airport didn't pay for customers to be brought to them, they would intentionally make it difficult for riders to go there, and recommend other destinations instead.

Net neutrality has been the basis of how the internet has always worked. The ISPs (Taxis and Busses) decided to change this without consulting anyone. There is nothing the costumers can do to stop them - most people are locked into contracts, and most places are served by monopolies. So getting the government involved is the only way to preserve what corporations want to steal from us.