Comcast has decided to charge Netflix’s content supplier, Level 3, for network accessibility. Net neutrality advocates are very worried about this move. Several network providers claim that they can self-police. Comcast’s new “traffic toll” is leading many to question if this is really possible. The FCC has said that they may take a vote on net neutrality. This is still under question, though, as it is just a rumor.
Toll to Netflix from Comcast
Television, internet and telephone services are offered through Comcast. Also, pay-per -view online movie service is provided by Comcast. You can also do on-demand. Level 3 is a content-delivery network that is working with Netflix to deliver their streaming content to your computer. Netflix could be charged due to level 3 with a “recurring fee in exchange for allowing Netflix streaming media … to flow unfettered.” Comcast customers will not be able to use the Netflix service unless Netflix pays for it.
The net neutrality problem with Comcast and Netflix
All internet traffic has to be treated equally with net neutrality. Earlier this year, Comcast was sanctioned by the FCC for “throttling,” or slowing down, traffic to file-sharing service BitTorrent. A fight was began when Comcast disagreed. It said traffic equality wasn't in any kind of law or rule. Comcast states it’s charging Level 3 and Netflix the fee as the high level of web traffic through Netflix strains their network. Several say the competition with Comcast's own streaming network is the real reason for the fee to Netflix.
Net neutrality causing controversy
Those for net neutrality suggest that there’s a great example of why net neutrality is very important. The Comcast/Netflix fee shows the importance. No traffic ought to be treated better or worse than other traffic on the internet. Just like cable television functions, Verizon, AT&T, Comcast and other large internet providers suggest that internet providers ought to be able for making their own deals. What do you think? The FCC has the choice of voting for net neutrality or letting companies regulate themselves. Which is right?
Articles cited
PC World
pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/211964/comcast_toll_on_netflix_screams_for_net_neutrality.html?tk=hp_new
LA Times
latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/11/the-morning-fix-comcast-in-fight-with-level-3-seacrest-staying-on-radio-winters-bone-has-good-night-.html
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_neutrality
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