US braces for impact of net neutrality decision...meanwhile, overseas....

[Snarkoleptic]

As if we needed further proof that media consolidation in the US has resulted in high prices for poor service, here come the headlines.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/download-44-films-in-a-second-uk-researchers-create-fastestever-commercial-internet-9077061.html

Scientists in the UK have created the fastest ever real-world internet connection, using commercial-grade fibre optic lines to clock up speeds of 1.4 terabits per second. It’s believed to be the fastest speed test of its kind, and would allow users to hypothetically download 44 high-definition films in a single second. Downloading the entire English version of Wikipedia would take just 0.006s.

--snip--

In Seoul this week mobile operator SK Telecom Co announced plans to roll-out a new 300Mbps by the end of 2014. In comparison, UK operator EE currently offers speeds of “up to 60mbps” through their fastest 4G service. Although SK Telecom Co’s new network is slow compared to BT’s ‘Alien Super Channel’ (it would take a whole 22 seconds to download a single HD movie) the announcement is impressive for a commercial subscription.

[Fumesucker]

1. All hail the Invisible Hand

[SamKnause]

2. Awesome

How many decades will it take for the US to catch up ????

Jeez what would that cost in the US ????

Maybe $1,000.00 per month ?????

[Snarkoleptic]

4. In 2009, 100mbps became available in Hong Kong for $13/month.

http://stopthecap.com/2009/11/02/hong-kong-broadband-network-cuts-price-in-half-100mbps-service-for-13-a-month/

Hong Kong Broadband Network, the wholly owned subsidiary of City Telecom, has just slashed the price for its 100Mbps “bb100″ fiber optic broadband service. When a customer finds a friend willing to sign up, both will receive the broadband service for $13 US per month for 24 months, which represents a 50% discount for each customer.

At this price, Hong Kong residents pay just $0.06/megabit-per-second, which includes a speed guarantee that customers will receive at least 80% of advertised speed when surfing domestic websites.

[jwirr]

3. Can someone tell those of us who do not know how this works in plain English exactly what this means

to the user? Am I going to be able to use the internet and not have to give up food? What does it mean?

[Snarkoleptic]

5. The gist is that, in the US we are being screwed by a lack of competition among internet providers.

Also, the recent net neutrality decision will permit internet providers to speed up or slow down sites on a whim. (or for profit)

4 years ago in Hong Kong the offering was 100 megabytes per second (wicked fast internet) for $13/month.
Now take a look at your most recent bill and contrast that price/service level with your own experience.

[jwirr]

7. Thank you. I have been against it because people I respect here on DU were against it but now I know

why.

[Octafish]

6. Oh well. There goes the last bastion of democracy.

Like elections, the free flow of ideas and information is now pay-for-play.

Firesign Theatre defines "Pay TV":

Let's hear it for capitalism!

[Berlum]

8. "Ha ha. You smelly NetProles can just suck it. Sneer" - Big TechnoBlather, Inc. (R - Internet Style)

[Snarkoleptic]

9. Nice bundle!

Jeez...If I didn't know any better, I would almost think that the ruling elite wants to stanch the free flow of information.

[Berlum]

10. The Invisible Hand, Inc. (R) is prepping to dip more deeply into NetProle pockets