The FCC today passed the long-awaited, and much-needed 'Net Neutrality' regulations. Only the press release is up yet, but even that has drawn so much traffic I'm still not able to access it, but here's the link: You may have to cut and paste this into your browser address bar.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-303746.pdf
Various reports about the regulations themselves I've seen, indicate that any ISP will not be able to divert your request for one content provider, such as Netflix, in favor of their preferred web content provider. This effectively addresses the Level 3 complaint regarding Comcast earlier this month, which I mentioned only days ago.
The regulations will also prohibit the blocking of the use of VOIP apps like Skype, etc.
Those regulations will protect Internet radio because broadcasting is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. They will do this by allowing everyone access to the audio content of their choice, whether it be music, talk, etc. The Constituion also protects 'freedom of association', and the regulations will protect that by allowing you to do business online with any lawful business of your choice, without interference by another business, in this case the website or radio station of your choice, without restraint of trade by the other party, that other party being the ISP.
Jobs will be created, contrary to those that say that Net Neutrality will destroy jobs, because businesses will be free to start up on the Internet without fear of interference from trusts like big ISPs, etc. Net Neutrality supports all existing antitrust laws and rulings.
Yet after all is said and done today, this is only the start. There are still issues with exclusive content on wireless providers, and while this settles the Skype rulemaking of a couple years back as well, there are still dangers out there that will need to be addressed regarding a free and open Internet, especially with the wireless phone industry provided Internet services. Consumer advocates want that to be addressesd as well.
But it's a start with today's rulings, and a very positive start too.
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