Net Neutrality: Not So Neutral? (NAPSA)—Many consumers are not feeling neutral about net neutrality—the idea that all con- tent streaming in to the Internet should be treated equally. The words “net neutrality” may sound fair enough, but what this really means is anything but neutral—if net neutrality legislation passes Congress, the companies that are developing innovative new technology for the Internet and the consumers who wantto enjoy it will not be treated fairly. Lobbyists for “net neutrality legislation” are currently asking Congress to pass a bill that will— in essence—stifle innovations Many consumersare finding that legislation that aims to keep the Internet “neutral” might actually deny them accessto innovations such as Internet-based cable TV programming and high-speed broadband networks that are cur- just special-interest legislation, The legislation would force Charging companies such as Google and Amazon for their use rently being developed by companies such as Verizon and AT&T. Internet service providers to offer the same speed to Internet compa- now being developed. madeto soundlessself-serving. of the network could help fund new innovations that will one day nies regardless of the content. So a big business sending out video benefit consumers. same as an individual blogger using less bandwidth. It only makes sense that Internet providers be able to set prices based on bandwidth use. Everyone else—consumers, higher broadbandprices and taxes for consumers; less diversity in content would be charged the businesses, broadband providers and the government—must pay a competitive price for the band- width they use and for additional features like mobility. The legislation is a lobbying effort promoted by Website inter- ests, e-commercesellers and bloggers who wantspecial government treatment, just for them—one government-set broadband price, with special rates and conditions that consumers don’t get. In essence, net neutrality is Net neutrality could result in a slower, less responsible Internet; the broadband department; slower broadband deployment to all Americans; and less privacy, because net neutrality would require more government monitoring and surveillance of Internet traffic. For more information, visit www.netcompetition.org. Netcom petition.org is an e-forum that promotes debate on the merits of net neutrality legislation. It is funded by a range of broadband telecom, cable and wireless com- panies that believe the best way to guard a free and open Internet is free and open competition, not more governmentcontrol.
