Maybe I’m missing something, but this is a good thing, as it will finally allow us to fix this problem. Hear me out…
Net Neutrality was always very poorly defined from a delivery perspective in that it limited companies’ and consumers’ options.
What it should have done instead is define the word “Internet” and then say that if you advertise , say “100 Mbps Internet” speed that you cannot discriminate on any particular site or protocol by slowing or blocking.
This definition would allow telcos to offer generic internet, but then offer speed-ups to customers as options.
For instance, if you love Netflix, allow the telco to offer a higher level of service for Netflix connectivity. Or if you are a gamer, allow lower latency/higher bandwidth for things like Fortnite, etc.
I want my “internet” access to be unfettered, but I’m also willing to pay extra for service above that level for certain apps/sites.
Yes, this is simplified to fit a post on HN, but it seems the only rational way to regulate appropriately and simply, and most importantly, giving consumers what they actually want.
The concern is that a teleco can create an alternative and provide it for cheaper than competition. For example, Spectrum creates a Netflix, changes $20 dollars for it, then blockades Netflix behind a $20 'teleco' fee. Now your choices are $20 Spectrum-flix or $15+$20 Netflix.
Net Neutrality was always very poorly defined from a delivery perspective in that it limited companies’ and consumers’ options.
What it should have done instead is define the word “Internet” and then say that if you advertise , say “100 Mbps Internet” speed that you cannot discriminate on any particular site or protocol by slowing or blocking.
This definition would allow telcos to offer generic internet, but then offer speed-ups to customers as options.
For instance, if you love Netflix, allow the telco to offer a higher level of service for Netflix connectivity. Or if you are a gamer, allow lower latency/higher bandwidth for things like Fortnite, etc.
I want my “internet” access to be unfettered, but I’m also willing to pay extra for service above that level for certain apps/sites.
Yes, this is simplified to fit a post on HN, but it seems the only rational way to regulate appropriately and simply, and most importantly, giving consumers what they actually want.