Today's FCC Ruling On Protecting Internet Traffic

FCC chairperson Julius Genachowski

The FCC officially ruled today in favor of a protective piece of legislation, basically stating that internet service provider's (ISPs) cannot interfere with the content and/or traffic flow of their customers.  The idea being that an AT&T customer might be getting blocked from accessing Comcast content, or a similar situation.  The truth is, this is a bit of something out of nothing.  Has anyone ever faced a situation where they couldn't access certain content, or faced extremely low web speeds due to interference from their ISP?  I don't think so.

To quote the AP - "Known as "net neutrality," the rules prohibit phone and cable companies from favoring or discriminating against Internet content and services, such as those from rivals."

"The rules require broadband providers to let subscribers access all legal online content, applications and services over their wired networks — including online calling services, Internet video and other Web applications that compete with their core businesses. But the rules give broadband providers flexibility to manage data on their systems to deal with problems such as network congestion and unwanted traffic including spam as long as they publicly disclose their network management practices."

As I said, I do believe in a completely free and protected Internet environment (I wouldn't work online if I didn't).  I do think this battle was a bit more smoke and mirrors than they are letting on.  The Internet needs to be untethered and in the consumer's hand to shape and mold.  But I do agree with the Conservative opinion in this case, which is this type legislation might slow ISPs from trying to build out comprehensive strategies to incite their customers with content and package upgrades.

Full story here...http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101221/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_fcc_internet_rules.