Just What is Net Neutrality, Anyway?

For the uninitiated: Net neutrality is gearing up to be a hot-button topic in the mainstream media, and you’ll definitely be hearing about it here on Teknocratix. But what it is?

From Wikipedia:

A neutral broadband network is one that is free of restrictions on content, sites, or platforms, on the kinds of equipment that may be attached, and on the modes of communication allowed, as well as one where communication is not unreasonably degraded by other communication streams.

Let’s put that into real world terms. Chances are, the internet as you know it now is pretty universal. For a flat monthly rate, you get access to any site on the internet, the only difference being speed. Compare that to your cable or satellite connection, where there are different tiers of access. For instance, with a basic package, you might be able to watch Cartoon Network, but its sister network, Boomerang would probably be be off-limits. Phone service works much the same way, with basic service for a flat rate, but extras like long distance costing extra.

Of course, where do most people buy internet access from? Cable and telephone companies. There’s a fear among those in the tech community that these companies might try to restrict access to internet services, either to charge a premium for popular sites, or to cut off competing services entirely, such as Hulu or Skype.

Those in favor of net neutrality are asking for government regulation to prevent something like this:

What some fear the internet could look like without government regulation.

President Obama promised network neutrality during the campaign, and he seems to be following through. In March, President Obama appointed net neutrality supporter Julius Genachowski in March to head the FCC. On Sept. 21, Genachowski introduced a proposal for net neutrality regulation, which will be formally proposed on Oct. 22. The proposal, widely expected to pass, would prevent internet service providers from blocking lawful content, and would mandate that they publicly disclose their network traffic practices.

It is also rumored that the new net neutrality proposals could affect wireless carriers. Some possible outcomes could be the end of handset exclusivity and/or carriers could be forced to allow any smartphone application on their networks. For example, the Apple iPhone, would (in theory) no longer be exclusive to AT&T. And the iPhone Skype application, which is currently allowed allowed only on Wi-Fi, would have to be allowed onto the cellular 3G network.

Of course, net neutrality has its opponents. Telecom companies and Republican lawmakers both strongly oppose regulation. We’ll examine their arguments in a future post.