FTC Weary of Net Neutrality

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Say goodbye to Net Neutrality, folks. The FTC just released an NIE of sorts, detailing the whole history of Net Neutrality and why, ultimately, the agency does not support the concept. Yes, our glorious leaders in Washington have decided that it’s a good idea to let The Market decide what’s best for all of us. All bow before the Invisible Hand.

The FTC came out against Net Neutrality because:

Policy makers should be wary of enacting regulation solely to prevent prospective harm to consumer welfare, particularly given the indeterminate effects on such welfare of potential conduct by broadband providers and the law enforcement structures that already exist

This report isn’t law or anything, but it’s kinda lame to see our officials genuflect before the Almighty Telecos. I wonder if it has anything to do with how much money the industry gives to Congress. Nah, couldn’t be.

FTC Nixes Net Neutrality [Consumer Affairs via Digg]

1 Comment/Pingback so far

 
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Mark Murphy (Who am I?)

If the FTC/FCC would allow unlimited competition for Internet services, then I could see their argument. However, not only is “the last mile” regulated for every major connectivity option (cable, DSL, EDGE/3G wireless, satellite), but some of them are natural monopolies or oligopolies (e.g., can’t have 100 different cables strung everywhere). In light of that, some form of net neutrality regulation would seem necessary.

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