Pirate's Cove

Just another case of Los Federales wanting more “transparency and openness,” all the while wanting more control

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski is proposing that the agency apply tougher open-Internet rules broadly, raising concerns of cable and phone companies and some lawmakers that the government could try to control efforts to offer products such as digital cable or premium business services.

Mr. Genachowski’s proposal suggests everything in the Internet pipe is covered by rules prohibiting discrimination against any legal Internet traffic, known as net neutrality, unless the agency says otherwise, according to FCC officials familiar with a draft circulating in the agency.

Hmm, anyone thinking campaign donations, influence peddling, and political payback? Not too mention more control of a private industry?

Internet providers could seek exemptions for so-called premium managed services, like private corporate data networks or pay-TV services, which require guaranteed levels of data speed.

Phone and cable companies worry Mr. Genachowski is trying to turn their broadband lines into “dumb pipes” of Internet data, instead of highly segmented and managed lines that allow them to offer different sorts of services — at different prices — to customers.

There are lots of back and forth arguments regarding net neutrality, but, the biggest two are that it will stifle innovation and actually restrict bandwith. The ever growing wireless Internet will potentially take a huge hit, as will prioritization for the markets, such as ‘Net meetings and gaming. It’s up to you to decide, but, remember, once regulated, good luck getting the federal government out.