Net Neutrality Causing a Debate Over Wireless
The Net Neutrality clause in Sec. 12 of the Broadband Policy-
“It is the policy of the United States-
To maintain the freedom to use for lawful purpose’s broadband telecommunications networks, including the Internet, without unreasonable interference from or discrimination by network operators, as has been the policy and history of the Internet and the basis of user expectations since its inception…”
The debate over net neutrality is finding new areas to draw the distinction between interference and discrimination. Top Carriers have argued that the net neutrality rules are too restrictive saying the rules would prevent them from managing traffic on their own networks in the way they choose.
The debate over net neutrality began heating up over 3 years ago. The discovery that Comcast, the nations largest cable provider, slowed specific peer-to-peer traffic on their network raised red flags and sparked public dissent over such practices.
Net neutrality requires all applicants agree to the FCC’s fair internet principles that requires ISP’s to allow subscribers to use any device and application they choose without interference from the carrier. Broadband subscribers are able to connect any device of their choosing to the Internet using either WiFi, Ethernet cable or some other type of connection.
The Wireless market differs in this area of freedom to the consumer. In the Wireless market every service provider controls which devices are on their network. Many carriers dictate which phone functions can work on their network as well as which applications are allowed.
The popularity of the Apple iPhone, available exclusively on the AT&T network in the United States, has highlighted the distinction between broadband connection providers and wireless providers.
Devices exclusive to the provider who makes them are also exclusive to the applications the provider creates for the device making those devices unusable on other networks. The only way a consumer can add applications to their iPhone is through the Apple application store which only offers application from Apple and no others.
The exclusion of certain applications, like Google Talk, which allows users to use one phone number across any phone they own, from their Apple application store has recently ignited criticism. Consumer Advocates and Congressional Leaders are calling this a prime example of the need for net neutrality laws and regulation. This will ensure that consumers are not blocked from accessing devices and applications of their choice.
Legal Director of Public Knowledge, Harold Feld says, “…wireless has become the major focus point now for net neutrality, and that makes sense. As the mobile Internet becomes more mature, it is increasingly important that it operates with the same openness as the traditional Internet to stimulate innovation. Today only a hand full of network operators set the rules in wireless”.
Wireless carriers argue that in order to ensure the network operates properly it is necessary for the provider to control which devices connect to their networks.
Related posts:
- Net Neutrality Debate Split Down Party Lines
- Broadband Providers Resist Net Neutrality
- McCain Blocking Net Neutrality
