December 2017

How Google and Facebook Could Save Net Neutrality

[Commentary] It looks like it’s too late for politicians to protect net neutrality. The Federal Communications Commission is almost certainly going to repeal it, and the Republican-controlled Congress is unlikely to pass a bill mandating that all web traffic be treated equally. But corporations can still save Americans from this threat. Members of the Internet Association could band together to fund an internet service provider that would guarantee neutrality and offer service to every American at affordable rates.

A corrupted public comment process should lead the FCC to delay its upcoming net neutrality vote

[Commentary] Net neutrality shouldn't be a controversial issue. Pipelines and power grids, telephones and railroads, all must comply with common carrier regulations that prohibit discrimination and special treatment. There's little reason for the internet to be any different. The promise of the internet exists in its open, unrestricted nature. Nevertheless, the Federal Communications Commission is scheduled to vote on rolling back its net neutrality regulations on Thursday, Dec. 14.  The tech trade group Internet Association is pushing for the FCC to delay its vote.

Consumer Favorability Ratings for Large ISPs Withstand Net Neutrality Heat

Scorching criticism of internet service providers over their stance on net neutrality for much of 2017 hasn’t hurt their standing with US consumers — though some weren’t that popular to begin with. For Comcast, there was practically nowhere to go but up. Thirty-two percent of respondents had a very or somewhat favorable view of Comcast the day Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced his repeal plans; 26 percent had an unfavorable opinion. By Nov.

Five Reasons Chairman Pai Says Gutting Net Neutrality Helps Startups and Why They’re All Nonsense

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai says his plan to gut net neutrality protections will help startups. But actual startups, the people who invest in them, and basic facts disagree.

Argument #1: “Prioritization Is Commonplace and Pro-Consumer”

Argument #2: “Some Prioritization Might Be Good, So We Should Allow All Prioritization”

Argument #3: “Websites That Generate A Lot Of Traffic Should Internalize The Costs Of That Traffic”

Argument #4: “Allowing Paid Prioritization Will Increase Competition Because ISPs Will Reinvest In Their Networks”