Net Neutrality, Utopia vs. Reality
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Contents |
Defintion
Net neutrality has several varying definitions. At its core the generally accepted definition of net neutrality means that there is open access on the net, or more precisely, a network open to anyone that wants to participate in any application without intentional obstructions by other parties.
Overview
In a world of utopia there would be no competition between access or content providers. Access to the net and all things available on it would be free of cost to all; a net that equally delivers the greatest good to world without bias.
The reality is that businesses compete and ways to improve profits come to light. One such way is to control the content provided with no option given to the user. Businesses want the right to place product access as they see fit. This can lead to a number of potential problems.
Potential Problems
Tim WU discusses potential problems at length and describes several that can arise from lack of controls of net neutrality. The problems that arise include: Blocking- consists of totally stopping access to competitors. Most Favored Network (MFN) - where carriers give priority or preferential treatment to one application provider over others. Transparency Failures- when access providers fail to disclose the services they actually provide, such as latency or bandwidth.
Solutions
Wu and Kahn believe that limited regulation may be necessary. Have regulation that limits any restrictions being put in place by providers to keep the entire net freely open to all users that wish to use it. Further regulations beyond that would be too restrictive. You can’t demand that every application be compatible with all others before it is put on the net. As Kahn states, this is impractical as nothing new would ever reach the net, and all innovation would be totally shut down. Instead let new applications develop and work their way into other consenting nets. Great care must be taken through this approach as to not fragment the net, but this solution provides the greatest possibilities with the minimal regulation.
Bibliography
Berners-Lee, Tim. "Neutrality of the Net." DIG. 02 May 2006. 26 Feb 2009. http://dig.csail.mit.edu/breadcrumbs/node/132
Kahn, Robert. "On Network Neutrality." Computer History Museum. 09 Jan 2007. 09 Apr 2009. http://vasarely.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/kahn_net_neutrality_transcript.html
Wu, Tim. "Network Neutrality FAQ." Timwu. 26 Feb 2009. http://timwu.org/network_neutrality.html