Post by Admin on Sept 19, 2014 8:42:16 GMT -9
Netflix Leads The Battle For Net Neutrality
Netflix voiced its concerns in the online comments of the FCC open Internet proceedings, leading the charge for net neutrality
Published: September 19, 2014 at 11:05 am EST
By: Bob Cramer
NFLX
Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), the online giant responsible for one-third of North America total Internet traffic, is leading the battle for an open Internet.
The world’s largest video-on-demand streaming service is a staunch supporter of net neutrality. It has always opposed the idea of paid prioritization, which gives fast internet access to those who pay more to Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The streaming giant voiced its opinion by filing comments in the open-Internet proceedings before the public comments period was officially closed by the FCC on September 15.
More than 3.7 million people submitted their comments in the proceedings. Proponents of an open Internet include Edge companies, venture capitalists, and other Internet activists including the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA).
Leading the pack was Netflix, which presented strong arguments in favor of equal internet for all. The streaming company believes that net neutrality is essential for free expression, constant innovation, and diverse content for Internet users.
In its reply comments to the FCC, Netflix pointed to several measures that should be taken to provide open Internet to all.
Firstly, Netflix said the FCC should prevent blocking and pay-for-priority arrangements over the “last mile.” ISPs charge terminating-access fees at different interconnection points. If unpaid, this results in low internet speeds, more downloading time, and increased interruptions for people surfing the web. Thus, the idea of fast-lane Internet should be dropped for the greater benefit of all.
Secondly, Netflix shed some light on the lack of broadband competition that leaves consumers and content providers with little or no choice, giving these ISPs unfair negotiating power. The streaming company highlights the stance of FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler on “The Facts and Future of Broadband Competition,” in which he said that the FCC will “Open Internet proceedings” to make sure the Internet remains free from all barriers to the “last-mile provider.”
Speaking about the lack of competition, Netflix pointed toward the Time Warner Cable (TWC) and Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) merger. It has always opposed the tie-up and has even filed a petition with the FCC to stop the merger dead in its tracks.
Moreover, the streaming company also urged the FCC to use the necessary tools to achieve strong net neutrality. Such techniques include enforceable industry standards, self-regulatory codes of conduct, and other statutory tools that will prohibit ISPs to charge for fast-internet access.
Now the FCC is faced with two distinct choices: it can either accept the idea of net neutrality, which will provide affordable access to Internet for all without any interference from broadband companies. Or, it could go with paid prioritization and allow better speeds for only those who pay more for the service.
However, the verdict of regulators on the open-Internet proceedings remains to be seen. The judgment will then decide the future of content providers and ISPs.
Netflix voiced its concerns in the online comments of the FCC open Internet proceedings, leading the charge for net neutrality
Published: September 19, 2014 at 11:05 am EST
By: Bob Cramer
NFLX
Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), the online giant responsible for one-third of North America total Internet traffic, is leading the battle for an open Internet.
The world’s largest video-on-demand streaming service is a staunch supporter of net neutrality. It has always opposed the idea of paid prioritization, which gives fast internet access to those who pay more to Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The streaming giant voiced its opinion by filing comments in the open-Internet proceedings before the public comments period was officially closed by the FCC on September 15.
More than 3.7 million people submitted their comments in the proceedings. Proponents of an open Internet include Edge companies, venture capitalists, and other Internet activists including the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA).
Leading the pack was Netflix, which presented strong arguments in favor of equal internet for all. The streaming company believes that net neutrality is essential for free expression, constant innovation, and diverse content for Internet users.
In its reply comments to the FCC, Netflix pointed to several measures that should be taken to provide open Internet to all.
Firstly, Netflix said the FCC should prevent blocking and pay-for-priority arrangements over the “last mile.” ISPs charge terminating-access fees at different interconnection points. If unpaid, this results in low internet speeds, more downloading time, and increased interruptions for people surfing the web. Thus, the idea of fast-lane Internet should be dropped for the greater benefit of all.
Secondly, Netflix shed some light on the lack of broadband competition that leaves consumers and content providers with little or no choice, giving these ISPs unfair negotiating power. The streaming company highlights the stance of FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler on “The Facts and Future of Broadband Competition,” in which he said that the FCC will “Open Internet proceedings” to make sure the Internet remains free from all barriers to the “last-mile provider.”
Speaking about the lack of competition, Netflix pointed toward the Time Warner Cable (TWC) and Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) merger. It has always opposed the tie-up and has even filed a petition with the FCC to stop the merger dead in its tracks.
Moreover, the streaming company also urged the FCC to use the necessary tools to achieve strong net neutrality. Such techniques include enforceable industry standards, self-regulatory codes of conduct, and other statutory tools that will prohibit ISPs to charge for fast-internet access.
Now the FCC is faced with two distinct choices: it can either accept the idea of net neutrality, which will provide affordable access to Internet for all without any interference from broadband companies. Or, it could go with paid prioritization and allow better speeds for only those who pay more for the service.
However, the verdict of regulators on the open-Internet proceedings remains to be seen. The judgment will then decide the future of content providers and ISPs.