Five Facts About Net Neutrality

1. Definition: Net neutrality is not a law; it’s actually a principle that’s applied to residential broadband networks. What this means is that big business telecoms choose not to tier or limit internet website access allowing users full accessibility to the World Wide Web.

2. Internet Packaging: Imagine paying for internet packages similar to the way you pay for cable. You could have access to CBS.com or ABC.com but if you wanted CNN.com or MTV.com you’d have to pay a premium. Not a pretty picture is it? Fortunately, this is far from the truth and the possibility of this happening is slim to nil. This is something often used by social media websites such as Digg.com and Reddit.com to fan the flames for net neutrality.

3. Networks are “protecting” consumers: Yes, just like the MPAA is protecting movie goers from file sharing viruses and the music industry is trying to protect the artist. Fact is, if networks throttle the internet your protection is the last of their concern.

4. The 700 MHz wireless spectrum: Google took a large chunk of this spectrum effectively giving them the opportunity to provide free uninhibited access to users nationwide. The spectrum is used for broadband connection speeds and has been rumored for use on their new Android cell phone OS but could eventually be put to use as free WiFi.

5. Speed Throttling: ISP’s have recently began offering packages of higher speeds to customers who tend to use more bandwidth; namely gamers and downloaders. This allows those who use the internet for casual daily use to pay for a small and cheaper bandwidth package and charging users who use more bandwidth. This has been met with both criticism and praise from tech geeks and gamers alike, some claiming that limiting bandwidth is a bureaucratic solution while others say they would gladly pay for the added speed.

came from - 10gea.org