Published: November 04, 2009 07:58 am      

The Internet and net neutrality

As the Internet turns 40 years old, the Internet Freedom Preservation Act and the Internet Freedom Act of 2009 poise themselves to go through the legislative process. Internet providers and the FCC are circling their wagons and, to most people, the language gets a little ambiguous. Both bills claim to be concerned with “Internet freedom” and both center around net neutrality, but who should consumers listen to?

Net neutrality is the idea that Internet providers shouldn’t be able to restrict access to certain places or applications on the Internet based on what a customer pays.

“The idea is that a maximally useful public information network aspires to treat all content, sites, and platforms equally,” said Columbia Law professor Tim Wu at www.timwu.org. “This allows the network to carry every form of information and support every kind of application.”

Proponents of net neutrality are quick to point out that net neutrality does not mean an Internet provider can’t charge more money for a higher quality of Internet service, simply that the providers can’t restrict access to websites or applications based on rates.

Opponents of net neutrality, however, say that net neutrality will introduce unnecessary regulation of the Internet providers by the Federal Communications Commission.

So which side are the consumers on? Which bill promotes their interests?

Well, if a consumer is a proponent of net neutrality, or regulation of Internet providers by the FCC, she/he would probably want to support the Internet Freedom Preservation Act, proposed by Massachusetts Representative Edward Markey (D).

If a consumer is an opponent of regulation by the FCC and would prefer that the Internet service providers govern themselves, she/he would probably want to support the Internet Freedom Act of 2009, proposed by United States Senator and former presidential candidate John McCain (R).

Whatever their stance on the issue, net neutrality is certain to be an issue that will have an impact on consumers’ lives for a long time.

— Justin Lofton