There is a bit of debate going on at the moment regarding net neutrality. Some believe that the internet should remain neutral, basically as it is, without internet service providers and companies manipulating its speeds for their own interests. However others beg to differ, namely big companies who believe that having a faster lane would be beneficial.
Companies such as IBM, Intel, and Cisco have since stepped forward and issued an open letter (via Cult of Mac) to the FCC in which they argue their case against net neutrality. Their main issue here is with President Obama’s proposal to reclassify broadband as a “Title II” service. The companies, along with as many as 60 other companies, claim that the reclassification could lead to less investment, which ultimately could impact the economy.
According to the letter, “Title II is going to lead to a slowdown, if not a hold, in broadband build out, because if you don’t know that you can recover on your investment, you won’t make it. One study estimates that capital investment by certain broadband providers could be between $28.1 and $45.4 billion lower than expected over the next five years if wireline broadband reclassification occurs.”
These companies aren’t alone as German Chancellor Angela Merkel also announced her stance against net neutrality by offering an alternative – the creation of a two lane system where the fast lane could be used by special services (video streaming was classified as one of the special services).
That being said, the FCC is expected to make their decision in 2015 and based on early comments by the FCC chairman, they could be headed in another direction different from what President Obama had proposed, but we guess we’ll need to wait until 2015 to find out.
Filed in ..