Internet speed shouldn’t be decided with extra fees, say Democratic lawmakers who are unveiling legislation that would make the Federal Communications Commission ban fast lanes. The proposal would ensure Internet providers don’t speed up particular sites and content over others, and, they say, harm startup companies and others without deep pockets.
“[Americans] want an Internet that is a platform for free expression and innovation, where the best ideas and services can reach consumers based on merit rather than based on a financial relationship with a broadband provider,” says Senator Patrick Leahy, who put forward the legislation. Read more at The Washington Post.
{Andy Heller-Matzav.com Newscenter}
typical dems
The term “speed up” is misleading; what really happens: all data travels at the speed of light across the world, until it reaches your local internet provider who artificially slows down data form the sources that did not pay the “speed up” fee. Racketeering?! Collecting inflated service fees from the consumers is not enough – now they want to collect from the web sites as well! Naturally I would say: no more regulations, let the capitalist free market competition work itself out. However, in the internet provider case, there is very little free market capitalism – more like a monopoly or crony oligarchy – the customer usually has a choice of but one or two local internet providers. Hence, reluctantly, legislating becomes necessary. However, instead of legislating for the same speed for everyone, wouldn’t it be better to just make it illegal for the internet providers to snoop at the source or the content of data – let them do their job of transferring data while keeping their eyes and ears closed. Kill two birds with one stone – ensure privacy and safety for the customer, and stop artificial slowing down of the free exchange of ideas – they can’t selectively slow down what they can’t see.