New Net Neutrality Rules Now Inevitable

By

It now seems a virtual certainty that new network neutrality rules will be created by the Federal Communications Commission. The only issue is how stringent and extensive those rules will be, and how far they might go.

And the rules could go quite far, indeed.

Is the Federal Communications Commission seriously looking at Title II common carrier rules as part of its open Internet proceeding? Judging by its language, common carrier regulation of Internet access is not off the table, by any means.

“Title II is very much on the table,” according to Julie Veach, chief of the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau.

That might not mean Title II is inevitable. But lots of observers would bet something Internet service providers do not prefer is coming.

The constellation of forces just is stacked up that way. When debating parties talk about preserving innovation in the Internet ecosystem, people refer to app provider innovation. For some, limiting ISP innovation is necessary to promote app innovation.

ISPs can, and have, argue that access services also should be able to innovate. But network neutrality proponents dismiss such innovation as antithetical to a free and open Internet.

Some observers would argue it does not matter whether that statement, and the interpretation of that statement, is actually totally correct.

At this point, it seems those in favor of strong forms of network neutrality have won the policy debate.

Actual regulation of Internet access services as common carrier services might not be forthcoming. But strong network neutrality rules that cover both fixed and mobile networks seem highly likely.

The balance of political forces on the present FCC, some think, could actually ensure that stronger regulations are possible.

If the two Democrat commissioners are in favor of net neutrality, while the two Republicans are opposed, and will not yield in their opposition, the Chairman and the two Democrat commissioners will set the rules.

Unless something changes, that virtually guarantees the only impossible outcome is a rejection of network neutrality rules. There will be new rules. The only issue is how stringent they will be.

Less ISP packaging freedom is on the way. At a minimum, best effort access will be the only way Internet access can be sold to consumers. There will be no way to create content delivery network services that stretch all the way to the end user location or devices.

What other rules might be established is where the uncertainty lies. Might it become impossible for ISPs to offer no incremental charge access to some apps, and not others?

Might the equivalent of toll-free calling also be forbidden? Nobody knows yet. The only certainty is that new net neutrality regulations will be created.


Edited by Maurice Nagle
Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [Free eNews Subscription]

Contributing Editor

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Related Articles

How to Protect Your Website From LDAP Injection Attacks

By: Contributing Writer    3/12/2024

Prevent LDAP injection attacks with regular testing, limiting access privileges, sanitizing user input, and applying the proper encoding functions.

Read More

Azure Cost Optimization: 5 Things You Can Do to Save on Azure

By: Contributing Writer    3/7/2024

Azure cost optimization is the process of managing and reducing the overall cost of using Azure. It involves understanding the resources you're using,…

Read More

Massive Meta Apps and Services Outage Impacts Users Worldwide

By: Alex Passett    3/5/2024

Meta's suite of apps and services are experiencing major global outages on Super Tuesday 2024.

Read More

The Role of Technology in Shaping the Future of Affiliate Marketing

By: Contributing Writer    3/5/2024

In the current rapidly growing digital world, affiliate marketing is still one of the most effective ways for businesses to increase their visibility …

Read More

The Steps You Can Take To Improve Customer Service For Your Business

By: Contributing Writer    3/5/2024

When you're in a competitive market, providing exceptional customer service is crucial for the success and growth of your business. Good customer serv…

Read More