Thursday, April 27, 2006

Should the ISPs Decide Which Websites You Visit?

Brace yourself. It is not to far around the corner. With the recent Ben Wallace like rejection of the Net neutrality Markey amendment, which aims to keep protect the free Internet, telcos are one step closer to creating a tiered internet. This type of system will force companies such as Marquee backers, Google, Yahoo, MSN and others to pay ISPs to use their network and allow the ISPs decide which sites you should see based on how much they are paid by the dot coms.

As far fetched as it seems, and believe me, when I first heard about this I was skeptical but a coalition has even been formed about it, SaveTheInternet.com

Here is what they have to say:

Net Neutrality allows everyone to compete on a level playing field and is the reason that the Internet is a force for economic innovation, civic participation and free speech. If the public doesn't speak up now, Congress will cave to a multi-million dollar lobbying campaign by telephone and cable companies that want to decide what you do, where you go, and what you watch online.

This isn't just speculation -- we've already seen what happens elsewhere when the Internet's gatekeepers get too much control. Last year, Canada's version of AT&T -- Telus -- blocked their Internet customers from visiting a Web site sympathetic to workers with whom Telus was negotiating. And Shaw, a major Canadian cable company, charges an extra $10 a month to subscribers who dare to use a competing Internet telephone service.

This could have a devistating effect on small startups if they have to pay the ISPs for access, essentially crushing the freedom and creativity that makes the Internet so great.

Does anyone think this could be good?

Posted By Jason Dowdell at 11:21 AM
Permanent Link: Should the ISPs Decide Which Websites You Visit? | Comments (0)

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