{"id":210,"date":"2011-02-15T06:54:37","date_gmt":"2011-02-15T11:54:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ict-pulse.com\/?p=210"},"modified":"2014-01-22T08:33:11","modified_gmt":"2014-01-22T13:33:11","slug":"net-neutrality-%e2%80%93-both-sides-of-the-divide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/2011\/02\/net-neutrality-%e2%80%93-both-sides-of-the-divide\/","title":{"rendered":"Net neutrality \u2013 both sides of the divide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Net neutrality has been receiving considerable attention in the United States over the past several months. Last December, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) agreed to impose net neutrality requirements on broadband providers. However this situation is far from resolved \u2013 litigation is expected by those affected and the United States Congress plans to overturn the ruling through legislation. Although the Caribbean might not be able to directly influence the outcome in America, net neutrality merits closer examination, since we are acutely affected by decisions made elsewhere.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cInternet neutrality\u201d, better known as \u201cnet neutrality\u201d, speaks to the elimination of any type of discrimination in transmitting and accessing content over the Internet. The premise of net neutrality has existed since the Internet\u2019s inception and has in part, facilitated its development to date. Through net neutrality, a level playing field was established where all users of the medium were considered equal. Hence, no entity or group of entities was given preferential treatment, such as faster speeds or better quality, at the expense of others. Further, ISPs were prohibited from blocking or otherwise hindering their competitors\u2019 websites to facilitate their own advancement.<\/p>\n

As the Internet developed, there have been growing calls to give richer companies, who are prepared to pay, some advantage over other users. Further, since current retail pricing structures for Internet connectivity in the Americas in particular tend to be flat rates for unlimited access, network operators and ISPs are keen to explore other options to increase revenue.<\/p>\n

Arguments for net neutrality<\/h3>\n

The arguments in favour of formally continuing with the principle of net neutrality aim to reinforce the status quo:\u00a0 to ensure open access for all, consistent with the founding vision of the Internet. There is also a clear concern that the progress and even the impact that the Internet is making would be undermined if discrimination, sometimes referred to as tiered access, is allowed. Key views that are being expressed include the following:<\/p>\n