Pages

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Net Neutrality, But Not For Everyone

Among the many issues facing the Comcast NBC merger, one of growing importance is net neutrality, equal access to content across the web. And at first glance, it seems that equal is easy to understand, but when it comes to money and control, equal becomes less understood. We primarily think of net neutrality for the internet, but when it comes to the digital spectrum, what about the other streams. "Google and Verizon Communications on Monday confirmed that they've put aside their differences and agreed that rules ensuring equal access to the Internet shouldn't apply to mobile phones." When did a black and white issue find grays; why shouldn't net neutrality be an all or nothing game, why should mobile be excluded.

We have entered a world of pay for play and the digital spectrum falls into this space, too. It seems that rules may be needed for all users, and most likely exceptions will be carved out. Neutrality for all, unlikely; will the consumer pay more at the end, likely!