Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

FCC To Rule On "Paid Prioritization" Deals By Internet Service Providers

Posted by samzenpus on from the highest-bidder dept.

An anonymous reader writes "After a record 3.7 million public comments on net neutrality, the FCC is deciding if the company that supplies your internet access should be allowed to make deals with online services to move their content faster. The FCC's chairman Tom Wheeler says financial arrangements between providers and content sites might be OK if the agreement is "commercially reasonable" and companies say publicly how they prioritize traffic. Many disagree, saying this sets up an internet for the highest bidder. "If Comcast and Time Warner – who already have a virtual monopoly on Internet service – have the ability to manage and manipulate Internet speeds and access to benefit their own bottom line, they will be able to filter content and alter the user experience," said Barbara Ann Luttrell, 26, of Atlanta, in a recent submission to the FCC."

2 of 126 comments (clear)

  1. Yep. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    It won't be a straighforward result; "yes it's ok" or "no, net neutrality must rule." They'll hand us some mumbo jumbo legalese weasel-word bullshit the players involved will have to trouble navigating and the lawyers will rejoice.

    Would you like Netflix with your Internet, sir?

  2. Should we vote out the incumbents? by Okian+Warrior · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Overwhelming response telling our leaders exactly what we wanted through our only feedback system. And it is blatently IGNORED in favor of paid interests. It's not a surprise, considering that the FCC leader is ex-cable, and they are appointees directly from big business. However it obviously shows just how badly this country is broken. I'm not an alarmist, but it this simply isn't going to change with the current US government system. They have no REASON to change it.

    Would you consider voting out the incumbents?

    It's the only voting strategy that can make a difference, the only one that matters.

    When congressmen realize that they can be voted out after a single term, we'll have pro-public policies.

    And the best part is it's completely anonymous! No registration, no donations, no E-mail lists, no paper trail. Just resolve that "if this doesn't go in favor of the people, I'm voting against the incumbents".

    Join the boot party - give 'em the boot!

    (P.S. - Pass this along)