Internet Neutrality Will Restrict Content Choices

As we move closer and closer to the realization that Internet is a Utility, then we must realize that usage-based pricing must prevail. Combined with open access to Content providers, this will finally allow consumers to be the determining factor in fair and reasonable pricing. When consumers can select Content a la carte, and choose the provider based on the best "value package" combination of pricing and Content selection, then true net neutrality is achieved. Anything less is just more industry control.

But, not forcing the FCC to adopt reasonable Access rules, including reasonable pricing, will only achieve more industry control of pricing. Industry-cable and telco, and now wireless- have always had reasons to be restrictive in Access. No more.

Wireless provides one avenue to deliver Content with full bandwidth and consumer choice.

Usage-based pricing, if determinedly regulated open access to Content providers is insured, offers the best chance for consumers to get the widest choice of Content at the most reasonable price.

We've too long allowed cable and telco to restrict access. Forcing separation of Content and Infrastructure, as we did with TV in the 60's, opens up the possibility of greater Content choices for less cost to consumers.

If you believe that Anything, Anytime, Anywhere is the grail of Consumers regarding usage and content; that a Universal Connect Appliance is coming, then it must follow that usage-based pricing with reasonable access open to Content providers of all stripes, is the best way to ensure maximization of satisfaction. Industry should be required to take reasonable risks for reasonable rates of return, that's a free market system.

The jumble of monopolies and regulatory favoritism must cease in respect of open access.

Since when did we decide to reduce risk for industry by providing regulated monopolies(actually over 30 years ago), in favor of overcharging consumers(some $200 Billion plus-that's Billions with a big "B" folks-since the eighties)? Would the cable industry have never gotten started without monopolies to reduce risk and insure profits? Sure htey would have!

In most other countries, governments did not provide subsidies to build, favorable tax rates and so on, but we did here.

That's not a free-market-based system, it is a system of politically rewarding a chosen few, whereas open competition would have led to more choices much earlier than today.Even allowing for the political atmosphere of wanting to encourage cable build-outs to service consumers, cable has long ago recovered their investment, and lots more!

Fourteen other countries have greater Internet broadband penetration, most at less cost!

We can, and must force open access for Content, separate Content from infrastructure provisioning, and develop a business model that is usage based.

Some of us remember that the early days of TV were a problem for TV Content providers, who didn't have an audience until someone bought a TV. When TV penetration became widespread, then Content competition created channels, choices for consumers. There are obvious lessons for the current Content industry, including communications, entertainment, business, education, health and more.

There are great opportunities for Content competition, greater consumer choices and benefits, and much more.

Usage-based pricing, combined with forced reasonable access, is the way.

Infrastructure-cable and telco- can be compensated with reasonable rates of return for their investment in infrastructure, but in today's market they want to have it(the access to the consumer and high profits) and eat it too (restricted competition).

That's not the American way!

Net Neutrality legislative discussions are a perfect opportunity to revamp the business model to force reasonable access to the Internet infrastructure for Content providers at reasonable cost.

Then we will be amazed at the capability to deliver increased leasure time, increased educational possibilities, increased health levels, Cloud Communting (use of the Internet for restrucuring office and work processes, educational processes) to enable pollution reduction and environmental safety, and so much more.

So, let's look at 'Net Neutality as the perfect opportunity to get it right! More Content choices, probably less cost, and new, more competitive business and institutional structures.