[Linux-pe] net neutrality, from the BBC

[Alan McConnell]

Here is what the U.S. government advocates, according to the BBC.

Alan

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   Last Updated: Friday, 7 September 2007, 12:20 GMT 13:20 UK

   US backing for two-tier internet


   There are fears that ISPs could become the web's gatekeepers

   The US Justice Department has said that internet service providers
   should be allowed to charge for priority traffic.

   The agency said it was opposed to "network neutrality", the idea that
   all data on the net is treated equally.

   The comments put the agency at odds with companies such as Microsoft
   and Google, who have called for legislation to guarantee equal access
   to the net.

   The agency submitted its comments to the Federal Communications
   Commission, which is investigating net access.

   Several US internet service providers (ISPs), including AT&T and
   Verizon, have previously said that they want to charge some users more
   money for certain content.

   This has particularly become an issue with the rise of TV and film
   download services.

   A similar debate is ongoing in the UK.

   One web

   The Justice Department said imposing net neutrality regulations could
   hinder development of the internet and prevent ISPs from upgrading
   networks.

   The agency said it could also shift the "entire burden of implementing
   costly network expansions and improvements onto consumers".

   "Regulators should be careful not to impose regulations that could
   limit consumer choice and investment in broadband facilities," said
   Thomas Barnett, the department's antitrust chief.

   The agency's stance is contrary to much of the internet community that
   believes in an open model for the internet.

   Net neutrality advocates argue that a two-tier internet would allow
   broadband providers to become gatekeepers to the web's content.

   Providers that can pay will be able to get a commercial advantage over
   those that cannot, they say.

   In particular, there is a fear that institutions like universities and
   charities would suffer.

   Last year, Sir Tim Berners-Lee the inventor of the web rallied against
   the idea of a two-tier internet.

   "What's very important from my point of view is that there is one
   web," he said.

   "Anyone that tries to chop it into two will find that their piece
   looks very boring."


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-- 
Alan McConnell :  http://patriot.net/users/alan
    "The intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy."
    Impeachment proceedings should be started immediately.