[XCSSA] Net Neutrality

[xcssa@xcssa.org]

A few years ago, the old common-carrier-like Net Neutrality standards  
that had applied to the internet from the beginning were being  
dismantled by the FCC.  The giant telcos and cable operators  
(including Time Warner) who provide internet access were going to be  
allowed to become gatekeepers, to slow down, speed up, or disconnect  
sites at their own choosing.  As happened with the railroads more  
than a century ago, this would likely lead to each internet operator  
to favor its own business partners, and crush everyone else.  The  
glory days when any person with a good idea could rise to the top  
were going to be over.

The FCC felt the outrage from citizens, and opted to let Congress  
make the decision.

In 2006, after $175 million was spent on lobbying Congress by the  
telcos, a new telecommunications law, the COPE Act of 2006, would  
have shattered Net Neutrality.  But millions of net users wrote to  
Congress, and the new law did not pass.

Now, the FCC's latest deadline for public comment on this issue is  
June 15.

http://savetheinternet.com/

http://savetheinternet.com/=faq

Net Neutrality is not anti-business.  Virtually every business that  
uses the net wants Net Neutrality (including Google, Amazon.com,  
eBay,  Yahoo, etc.).  This is also internet pioneers such as Vint  
Cerf have always wanted.  Even major newspapers want this.

It's pretty clear that if the internet providers get what they want,  
they'll be able to hook the big fish while frying the smaller ones.   
They'll rule the world.  As has happened with the broadcast spectrum  
used for TV and radio.

AT&T and others have also created "astroturf" groups (like Hands Off  
The Internet) to promote their own view, as well as to confuse and  
confound.  They often use the word "freedom" to describe what they  
want.  But it's freedom for them and not anyone else.

Charles