Net Neutrality

Net neutrality is a standard principle that is applied to broadband networks, and possibly all networks. Neutral broadband networks are those free of restrictions on types of equipment that may be attached, on the types of communications allowed, which does not restrict content, sites or platforms.In this battle of rights, there are two sides. One side is known as the “pay for use” and the opposing side is the “equal access”.

The pay for use group argues that many types of traffic differentially affect the network, and therefore should have the ability to charge for higher-impact traffic. This can be compared to the way postal services charge more for heavier packages, compared to small letters or even how highway tolls charge more for transport trucks in comparison to a family sedan.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the equal access group. They claim there should be no discrimination based on what the traffic, or which direction the traffic is headed. Their argument is that the same postal service does not charge any additional charge for a car payment, compared to a birthday card. They say no one has the right to charge more for yahoo clicks or hotmail hits.

The most important feature of this conflict is who is entitled to control ones internet activity? Regulations set in place to mandate net neutrality have been debated for some time now with no real answer to who is in control of our activity on the web.

So in this heated debate, who is right? Well, both sides are. Specific types of activity (voice, video and interactive applications) do in fact stress the network, and severely impacts last-mile broadband links (where congestion is common). But having telcos (pay for use) dedicating themselves to some sites over others contradicts several centuries of historical net neutrality.