As the clock ticks for the Net Neutrality public comment period, I took the time today to write up a semi-short plea for keeping our networks neutral, and submitted it to the FCC. Although this may not make much of an impact, I hope it makes enough of an impact on this vote, and clicks with someone who (hopefully) actually reads the comment. I have little faith that our current FCC structure is going to work in the interests of everyone. Anyways, I can say I’ve done my part at this point.
An open, and neutral Internet is vital to the growth and success of industry, education, and innovation in the United States. As a key player in the global Internet, we hold the keys to many services and core components, vital to the global survival of the Internet. Allowing for services to be “picked and chosen” by a provider, when it comes down to how it is carried or how much it costs, is not the way to be an innovator, a supporter of freedom, or a reliable partner across the world. Trying to sell obsolete services as the industry moves on, while restricting newer, more modern services, is also not the way to carry fourth with being a progressive innovator in the world. Allowing a service provider to be choosy on what traffic they carry at what rate based on their make-happen business model, is similar to segregation of customers, of which we have laws protecting consumers against. Finally, restricting or making access not neutral, has deep impacts for the education and research community – the very community which helps to develop and grow the very network being forced to bend to the ways of unhelpful service providers, who wish to focus efforts not on network improvements.
Networks operate better when networks are allowed to be networks. Unnecessary Throttling/unnecessary traffic shaping, needless deep packet inspection, unfair handling of application data by a service provider, monopolistic treatment of a provider’s traffic versus another’s traffic, and cumbersome billing systems tied into the networks, all contribute to a poorer running, and an overly complex network. These practices raise costs for all – even the service provider. The decision of whether a network should be neutral or not, should be up to the end user – the person purchasing a connection from a provider, and not the service provider. As a key route between Europe and Asia connectivity, the United States cannot enter a situation where consumers, other countries, and even businesses, are stuck fighting the decisions of certain communications providers, who wish to restrict the flow of information and content. Any change made domestically within the United States, greatly impacts the rest of the world, the effects of which are not seen until it is too late, and the rest of the world has moved on.
With that said, please keep our networks neutral, no matter wired, wireless, or a backbone link. When making the decision, remember that we all, collectively, within the United States, and across the world, pay into one of the greatest communications networks in the world. One which has driven economies further into the green, one which helps advance society, and one which helps to save lives. The decision made here can impact everything. It isn’t easy, but consider the negative outcome. Decisions made, whether to keep the rules as-is, or to revamp them, should benefit all, not just the companies providing the service.
To leave your comment, simply visit this link: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/filings?proceedings_name=17-108 . Select either “New Filing” or +Express and fill out the required information. Once done, submit, and confirm your submission was received. I would suggest checking the box for e-mail confirmation, to ensure the comment was received.
