Large phone and cable companies like Verizon and AT&T (who own a majority of the fiber optic and copper lines that internet traffic travels on) are currently planning to start charging a premium rate to large content providers in order to ensure higher bandwidth and priority over other internet traffic. These companies want to dramatically change the internet and how you use it. Presently, the internet is considered neutral. This means that all traffic on the internet has equal priority; no site’s content or company’s traffic has anymore priority over anybody else’s. Amazon.com’s internet traffic does not travel faster or have any higher priority over Overstock.com’s.
If these phone and cable company giants get there way, the internet will become a two tier system, with the top tier being reserved for large companies and service providers who can afford to pay the premium price for high bandwidth and reliable content delivery. The second tier would be sub-par at best, offering mediocre bandwidth and inconsistent reliability. A good analogy of this is if the internet is a road, the top tier would be the information super highway and the second tier would be a dirt road. If this happens start-up companies and small businesses will struggle or fail because they cannot afford the same internet rights as the big corporations. Those of us who use the internet to blog, create our own websites or connect with people across the globe can be greatly affected too. Inevitably these premium costs will get passed down to the consumer.
Don’t just sit back and let this happen! Currently there are bills in congress, which if passed, can protect your right to a neutral internet. However, these network giants are padding the pockets of greedy politicians who don’t feel that net neutrality is as important as the almighty dollar. Fight for your right to a neutral internet! Help keep the internet the way it was intended, a free open network that everyone can utilize. Make your voice heard, and let your representatives know how you feel. Click here to find out how you can contact your local Congress and Senate representatives and let them know that you support internet neutrality. Or you can visit the It’s our net website and find out more and how you can get involved, they also have a pre-written letter that you can attach your name to and send to your representatives.
Please don’t take this matter lightly; this is an issue that everyone who uses the internet should be concerned with!
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4 comments:
Amen.
it's all iraq's fault.. we better bomb them some more.
BUCK FUSH! Muck Ficrosoft!
Not that I don't have my opinions about Microsoft, but I think Microsoft would be in favor of Net Neutrality.
Shaun -
1) What in the hell does Iraq have to do with Net Neutrality?
2) Outside of his not really being a net neutrality supporter, this doesn't really involve Bush. If the Senate includes a net neutrality provision and it makes it into the Conference bill, Bush would certainly sign it.
3) Microsoft IS in favor of net neutrality, along with most other software and computer companies. It's the telecoms and the cable companies fighting against it.
Rabble -
Like I said. Amen.
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