COM 125-Net Neutrality

According to Wikipedia, net neutrality is “a principle that is applied to residential broadband networks, and potentially to all networks. A neutral broadband network is one that is free of the restrictions on the kinds of equipment that may be attached, on the modes of communication allowed, which does not restrict content, sites or platforms, and where communication is not reasonably degraded by other communication streams.”

 The debate over net neutrality is about the rules of net neutrality and the quality of service. Critics of net neutrality believe that these rules would take away incentives to upgrade and launch network services. Others argue that the quality of service is not problematic, but is desired by many. The broadband industry is evolving and since there have been no major failure or harm by broadband providers, these regulations may not be good on consumer welfare.

 The interests of the consumers and of the internet providers are at stake with these issues. Consumers want to be able to have access to the internet at a reasonable price and not have to worry about restrictions on their content, sites and platforms. The internet providers on the other hand are in it for the money. They want to make as much of a profit as possible and want to eliminate all other competition. Instead of putting the consumers first and offering the best product at a fair price, they want to jack up the prices to make sure that everyone involved is earning a hefty pay check.

 I would have to support net neutrality, because I think that it is important for consumers to always have the best product available for them at a fair price. All providers should offer the best product, because it isn’t fair to consumers who do not have these options available for them. I know when Time Warner stopped broadcasting channel 4 it was ridiculous, because Bills fans were unable to watch their home team play, but at the same families like mine could not switch to another provider, because we also rely on Time Warner’s phone and internet service.