Net Neutrality Order Allows for Biased Surfing

A recent ruling that went against the FCC gave a minor setback to several different software companies and the FCC themselves on how broadband internet access can be used. This ruling came about due to unfair treatment of some users downloading files via Bit Torrent. It seems that the major broadband providers like Cox, AT&T, and Comcast have been limiting or even preventing certain programs from running over their broadband connections. These companies state that this usage slowed internet traffic for all, but the true reason is the companies bottom line. Due to the nature of the programs that are being blocked, these broadband providers are protecting their own investment and forcing their customers into their other services. It is programs like Skype, Vonage, and Bit Torrent (the base program for Lime Wire) that are getting the brunt of this blockage as these companies try to promote their own versions of internet video and voice over IP (VOIP). This blatant disregard for freedom of choice and free enterprise is the true source of the matter.

Basically, what is happening is that the big three broadband providers have become the gatekeepers of the internet. Several years back, when broadband was fairly new, the FCC declared that it was not going to monitor this form of internet access. This was due to the fact that, at the time, there was very little usage of this technology and the FCC did not feel the need to bog itself down with the added responsibilities. They agreed to let the providing company provide the access to everyone for a fee. This was all fine and dandy, until the use of programs like Vonage and Bit Torrent became more wide spread. When the providers realized that people were getting cheaper phone and video services through the use of these programs, they decided to slow their internet connection down so that the program could not function correctly. By disrupting the service of all other forms of video downloads and VOIP, they forced people to subscribe to their products. The similar services that they offer are given free usage of the internet, even though they burn the same or more bandwidth as the programs they are limiting.

The argument started back in 2005 when the Free Press reported the problem to the FCC. The Associated Press had run some tests of their own, and discovered the problem to be true. The FCC then set their net neutrality laws in motion that stated the internet was open to everyone to use without limiting any legal activity. While the FCC argues that existing laws give them the authority to place these rules, the providers are arguing otherwise. Since the FCC had declared it an unregulated technology in the beginning, Comcast argues that they are trying to enforce policy and not regulations. The FCC is currently writing these into laws to correct the situation, but the federal courts have ruled in favor of the broadband providers.

This is both good and bad news for all of us consumers. The bad news is that we will be limited in our broadband access and the provider will be like a security guard that tells us what we can and can not download. The good news is that this will be temporary. The ruling gives the FCC three options. The first option will be to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. This is not feasible. Not only does the FCC not have the time, but the court date would be set a couple years from now. The second option would be to request Congress to look at the matter, deliberate, and create a set of laws that will govern broadband. Once again, the FCC is too bogged down to get the paperwork in order for this type of request, and Congress would take longer than the Supreme Court to decide. It would be several years before Congress could begin to look at the problem, and several years after that before they would get a solution. By that time, broadband would be outdated and unnecessary anyways. This leaves one last action for the FCC to take; the reclassification of broadband to a highly regulated status. The funniest part of all this is that the providers' greed may have made things worse for them.

With added regulations on net neutrality, many of the broadband companies will have to completely revamp their systems and implement new laws and regulations. This will cost them millions and they will still have to make it easier for people to access the content that they desire. It has turned into a no win situation for the broadband providers. In the interim, the consumer will have to pay heavily. Not only will you be regulated on your download content by the provider, but you can expect your monthly service charges to sky rocket. All of this is due to the fact that Cox, Comcast, and AT&T want to force you into their bundled packages. I just hope they get a clue and realize that they must lower prices to compete. This is the way of business. At least when you don't have the power to force someone into your product.

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FCC Losses Key Ruling on Internet Neutrality