OTT: A Net Neutrality Can of Worms?

As over-the-top distribution of video continues to multiply, video and broadband service providers must navigate shifting network neutrality regulations, which are subject to multiple interpretations. Operational strategies like caching, peering, and content delivery networks (CDNs) complicate the net neutrality and open Internet debate, leaving service providers guessing. Jimmy Todd, CEO of Kansas based regional provider Nex-Tech, shares some of these operational concerns at Telecompetitor’s recent broadbandTV event.

“We’ve got third party avenues that allow content to come to the local providers, you’ve got direct peering where you go to a CDN, you… generally are having [to] pay transport for that, but now you’re starting to see those edge providers bring the caching servers closer to the end user,” said Todd. “Does that in a sideways manner look like a prioritization?” “We as providers, our concerns are, how far will it go,” said Todd. “For us, we want to be able to provide our customers the best possible experience.”