Is Net Neutrality a Big Deal?

Author:
Dinos Papanastasiou
Research Analyst

Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Me.), both members of the Senate Commerce Committee, have placed net neutrality as a top priority early in the new year. What exactly is net neutrality, and why does it seem so important that an amendment had to be introduced so early in the new year?

According to Wikipedia, “Net Neutrality refers to a principle that underlies the design of the Internet (or any network) as non-selective or 'neutral' about the content flowing through it.” To put it simply, this allows internet users to surf much freer along the web without proprietary content swarming their desktop while they are online. In regard to internet service providers, it regulates and prevents them from distributing proprietary content to their users.

However, there is criticism from large communications companies. Verizon's senior VP of federal government regulations Peter Davidson stated, "Net Neutrality – better named Net Regulation – is trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist." Additionally, this amendment, according to The National Cable & Telecommunications Association may deprive innovation and creativity in distributing content. More important to the user, this amendment may prove to be a barrier for content that users actually want.

So, is Net Neutrality a Big Deal? Well, it depends on who you are asking. To the internet service providers, it is a big deal because it will regulate their control as an ISP. To others, it is a stepping stone for keeping unwanted content away from the internet.

Share Your Insight:
So are you for - or against - Net Neutrality?