In a prior post, I commented on the legislation impacting "net neutrality" that is making its way through the US House and Senate. I ran across a seemingly unrelated post today (it doesn't even discuss the ongoing net neutrality issue). However, it poignantly highlights the key problems that arise when network "operators" control "content access" – in this case in the mobile phone / pda market. As noted in the UK mobile phone user survey cited in the post, only 11% of mobile users noted that they "browsed the Internet on a mobile phone". As the author notes, this is likely a significant underestimate of usage, but likely highlights the difference in experience between surfing on a tightly controlled "mobile network" and the relatively "neutral" Internet access that is currently available on their PC's and Macs. The author notes:
"What many operators offer their customers very much isn’t the Internet. It’s not open, it’s not a place where the content one can access is limited by so many factors, or one where the network owner plays such a role in determining just what users can and can’t do. But mostly, it’s not a place where users can easily find content they’re interested in."
Wow. This hits at the heart of why we all need to take the time and effort to understand this important issues. We already have examples of content access that is tightly controlled (and steered) by network operators (cable TV and mobile phones). Is this really how we want to experience the Internet in the future?
As I've noted previously, network operators deserve just compensation for the access that they make available. However, do we want our Internet content options to be controlled by them (like cable TV and mobile phones)? As noted in a recent Slate article (a must read on the issue):
"The debate centers on whether it is more "neutral" to let consumers reach all Internet content equally or to let providers discriminate if they think they'll make more money that way. The cable firms and the Bells have (to their credit, but under pressure) sworn off blocking Web sites. Instead, they propose to carve off bandwidth for their own services—namely, television—and, more controversially, to charge selected companies a toll for "priority" service."
Please consider reading more about this issue at the following resources: