Net Neutrality Links

I’ve added these links to the Net Neutrality Page today.

The Official Word from Snowe and Dorgan

“The internet’s open architecture allows access to the internet for everyone equally,� said Senator Byron Dorgan. “That access has been the cornerstone of the internet’s growth so far, and is vital to its continued success in the future. The Internet Freedom Preservation Act will ensure that the right to participate in the internet remains free and available to all, so that the innovation, economic opportunities, and consumer benefits it makes possible, will continue to flourish.�

The Internet Freedom Preservation Act would amend the Communications Act to ensure that consumers and online businesses can use the Internet without interference from broadband service providers. Broadband service providers must operate the network in a nondiscriminatory manner, but otherwise may manage the network to, for example, protect the security of the network or offer different levels of broadband connections to users. Consumers must, however, have the option of purchasing a “standalone� broadband connection that is not bundled with cable, phone or VoIP service.

Optimizing on billing

A key goal of the telcos internationally is to find a way to “upgrade” the internet from a network optimized on innovation (layer independence, unauthenticated use allowed, open interconnection) to one optimized for billing (IMS, NGN).

Hardware manufacturers also like upgrades (and billing), so it’s no surprise that 34 hardware makers sent a letter to the House yesterday in opposition to network neutrality.

It’s unfortunate that these manufacturers can’t take the long view. They can’t because their shareholders want quick results, and because they need to sell more and more boxes all the time.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related
NET NEUTRALITY PAGE