Net Neutrality

Once the 110th Congress convenes in January of ‘07 they will soon take up some unfinished business, that of “net neutrality”. It’s a big deal for the little guys on the Internet like yours truly. If the media does their job you’ll likely hear a lot about it because it will affect your Internet browsing experience. If you’re a online content producer like your pal Fernsehturm then it could affect you even more.

The term “net neutrality” refers to the current ability of networks to treat information on the Internet equally without regard to its content or the producer of the content. In other words, neutrality allows lawful content providers unfettered access to the network by not allowing discrimination from those who own the “pipes” through which digital information flows. This is the current state of the Internet. “Discriminatory” in this case refers to content providers being charged in order to offer a fast download experience for the Internet user and refers also to the possibility that a telecommunication company would prioritize its own content over other providers.

Check out this for more information from the organized folk that want to protect net neutrality. Also, take a look at the side that wants to end net neutrality. They represent the interests of the aforementioned “pipe” owners.