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FCC Acts to Preserve Internet Freedom and Openness

The FCC has acted to support net neutrality. In theory at least.

I’m not happy, and you shouldn’t be either.

I’m going to go ahead and attach the full news release at the end of this post, but please keep in mind that it is a news release. It’s meant to promote media spin. In fact, you might get dizzy reading it.

Here are the parts I find troubling, and downright un-American.

A person engaged in the provision of fixed broadband Internet access service, insofar as such person is so engaged, shall not block lawful content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices, subject to reasonable network management.
A person engaged in the provision of mobile broadband Internet access service, insofar as such person is so engaged, shall not block consumers from accessing lawful websites, subject to reasonable network management; nor shall such person block applications that compete with the provider’s voice or video telephony services, subject to reasonable network

A person engaged in the provision of fixed broadband Internet access service, insofar as such person is so engaged, shall not block lawful content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices, subject to reasonable network management.A person engaged in the provision of mobile broadband Internet access service, insofar as such person is so engaged, shall not block consumers from accessing lawful websites, subject to reasonable network management; nor shall such person block applications that compete with the provider’s voice or video telephony services, subject to reasonable network

What is reasonable network? I’m stuck with AT&T Uverse because they own the lines in my neighborhood. What happens when AT&T decides that Hulu takes up too much bandwith?

My question is answered here:

Reasonable network management. A network management practice is reasonable if it is appropriate and tailored to achieving a legitimate network management purpose, taking into account the particular network architecture and technology of the broadband Internet access service. Legitimate network management purposes include: ensuring network security and integrity, including by addressing traffic that is harmful to the network; addressing traffic that is unwanted by users (including by premise operators), such as by providing services or capabilities consistent with a user’s choices regarding parental controls or security capabilities; and by reducing or mitigating the effects of congestion on the network.

I’m not convinced this serves us well.

Of course there’s this:

In light of these considerations, we conclude it is appropriate to take measured steps at this time to protect the openness of the Internet when accessed through mobile broadband.

Which roughly translates into “you’re on your own with broadband, shop it sister.”

Here’s the document. I don’t want to tell you what to think. I just want to hear your opinions on this one.

FCC Internet Freedom and Openness

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