Network neutrality (equivalently net neutrality, Internet neutrality) is a principle proposed for residential broadband networks and potentially for all networks. A neutral broadband network is one that is free of restrictions on content, sites, or platforms, on the kinds of equipment that may be attached, and on the modes of communication allowed, as well as one where communication is not unreasonably degraded by other communication streams. (From Wikipedia)
Essentially the issue is whether or not the IPS’s should be able to restrict traffic or bandwidth based on the type of data or website or the ability of ISP’s to effectively censor or prefer certain websites/data over others.
Comcast as I have read has been “throttling” bit torrent traffic for some time now. Not getting rid of Bit Torrent traffic but slowing it down greatly. (The discussion on Bit Torrent whether used legally or illegally is for another day).
From a business standpoint, it makes sense for these Companies like Comcast to try and make as much money off their product as possible (Internet Connection/Bandwith). After all this is a free market and those CEO’s are paid to make money for their companies. It’s a no brainer for the Service providers to try to exploit it. Just like Corporations did to Radio and Television.
However, this is the internet. And we at Beerslugger.com support Net Neutrality. We want our site to be treated just the same as MSN.com or Google or any one of the millions of Porn sites out there. We don’t want our news/content to be censored or unavailable should an ISP (Corporate America) deem it so.
The internet is a place of freedom essential to our modern way of life. Don’t take it for granted and don’t let it go away.
Visit http://www.savetheinternet.com for more details.