Net Neutrality 6-19-2006

Net Neutrality Links

I’ve added these links to the Net Neutrality Page today.

Can I see or detect if my internet traffic is differentiated?

There is a post at Save The Internet, that alleges Cox Communications of blocking Craigslist for almost three months. The security company Authentium, who handles security for Cox Communications reportedly explained with technical details why users can not reach Craigslist website. It looks like there is problem with the computers that hosts the craigslist website. Here is the reply from rnapier, strongly suggesting that the behaviour is normal and as per the specification. . . .

Net Neutrality by Hugh Hewitt

On yesterday’s program, Larry Kudlow ripped into “net neutrality” as one would expect a vigorous free marketeer like LK to do. “Net neutrality” does indeed mean Congressional intervention into the operation of the internet.

Here’s a roundtable/primer on the subject, courtesy of the Wharton School. (HT: Blinq.)

Take Action on Net Neutrality

I do not begrudge these companies their profits. I do get a bit pissy when Time Warner Cable is reaching into my pocket each month mulitiple times. In other words, I pay them my monthly access fee and then I pay them through Google or Yahoo or CNN for any fees these companies impose on services I currently receive for free. You see these companies have to turn around and give part of my money to Time Warner Cable for their top tier status. Wait! Pissy doesn’t begin to describe how that makes me feel.

Here’s a “what if” for you. A high school teacher gives an assignment that involves researching several specific web sites for data. If the internet service providers have limited access to any of these sites or reserved access to them for only their highest paying customers, what happens when students in a public school try to complete their research? Will only the wealthiest students have access to this information on their home computers. Will other students be forced to find other ways to access this data? Will our high schools be forced to stop encouraging internet research and technical advancement because it is simply out of reach for some students? This is more than likely a big stretch, but it is something to think about.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

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NET NEUTRALITY PAGE