Net neutrality is once again at issue. Comcast is charging Netflix for network accessibility. Many network providers claim that they can self-police. Comcast’s new “traffic toll” is leading several to question if this is really possible. The Federal Communications Commission has said that they might take a vote on net neutrality. This is nevertheless under question, though, as it’s just a rumor.
Comcast bills Netflix a cost
Comcast is a media company that provides television, internet and telephone service. Also, pay-per -view online movie service is provided by Comcast. You can also do on-demand. Level 3 is a content-delivery network that is working with Netflix to deliver their streaming content to your computer. Comcast wants to charge for level 3. This means that Netflix will pay a “recurring fee in exchange for allowing Netflix streaming media … to flow unfettered.” Netflix could have to pay for this for Comcast customers. Otherwise, the service could be unavailable.
The issue associated with Comcast/Netflix and net neutrality
All internet traffic has to be treated equally with net neutrality. Earlier this year, Comcast was sanctioned by the Federal Communications Commission for “throttling,” or slowing down, traffic to file-sharing service BitTorrent. Comcast said there was no rule or law that said web traffic had to be treated equally which started a fight. Comcast says it is charging Level 3 and Netflix the fee since the high level of web traffic through Netflix strains their network. Opponents are saying Netflix has to pay the fee because their service competes with Comcast’s own content streaming network.
The competing net neutrality quarrels
Those for net neutrality suggest that there’s a good example of why net neutrality is very important. The Comcast/Netflix fee shows the importance. No traffic should be treated better or worse than other traffic on the internet. Making their own deals is what internet providers ought to be able to do like cable television. This is suggested by large internet providers like Verizon, AT&T and Comcast. Do you have an opinion? What is it? The Federal Communications Commission has the choice of voting for net neutrality or letting companies regulate themselves. Which is right?
Citations
PC World
pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/211964/comcast_toll_on_netflix_screams_for_net_neutrality.html?tk=hp_new
LA Times
latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/11/the-morning-fix-comcast-in-fight-with-level-3-seacrest-staying-on-radio-winters-bone-has-good-night-.html
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_neutrality
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