Is Internet Neutrality now "so last week"?

[Armstead]

Just wondering. Has it, like so many turning point issues floated down the stream to irrelevancy? Just another piece of shite we have to live with? I hope not.

Doesn't have to be.

http://www.freepress.net/?akid=4582.9827464.mWYORN

[PowerToThePeople]

1. No.

Netflix’s secret weapon in the net neutrality fight

People generally think of Netflix as a potential loser in the recent court decision overturning the government's network neutrality regulations. But on Wednesday, the company flexed its muscles in an unmistakable show of corporate power meant for Internet providers.

In a letter to investors, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and CFO David Wells warned that if broadband providers start charging a toll for reaching U.S. Internet subscribers, Netflix and its users would revolt.

"Were this draconian scenario to unfold with some ISP {Internet service provider}, we would vigorously protest and encourage our members to demand the open Internet they are paying their ISP to deliver," Hastings and Wells wrote.

That doesn't appear to be an empty threat; in the same letter Wednesday, Netflix announced its paying customer base had grown to more than 34 million Americans, a 23-percent increase compared with the same period last year. Netflix currently accounts for nearly a third of all U.S. Internet traffic during peak hours, according to third-party studies.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/01/22/netflixs-secret-weapon-in-the-net-neutrality-fight/

[Armstead]

3. Funny, I read an article that gave the opposite impression

Can't remember where or I';d post a link.

But in essence it said Hastings downplayed the effect of the change. he said Netflix ingterests were aligned with the ISPs because (loosely quoted) the Internet providers want to offer premium services with better speed for streaming, so they'll make sure Netflix is an option."

In other words, People will pay more for Internet service, and that';s going to benefit us too.

Don't know which article is more accurate. But the idea of "premium" Internet service is abhorrent. (Although its already a fact. I pay a few bucks more a month for supposedly faster service already.)

[PowerToThePeople]

5. The question with this article is, "Where does Bezos fall on Net Neutrality?" n/t

[Armstead]

6. Wherever the money is I'd guess

I think he'd happily go along with the ISP's, as long as they promise that Amazon will be among the favored sites

[Xyzse]

4. I must say, Netflix has been good to me.

[Xyzse]

2. Glad to see this is still being mentioned

I consider this important.

[el_bryanto]

7. I think it will catch fire once they start implementing it

once people are actually affected on a more than theoretical basis.

Bryant

[Armstead]

8. Then it will be too late

Once these things are put into placxe, they tend to stay in place, no matter how bad or unpopular they are.

Look at how "successful" the ability of the public to corral the abuses of the cable companies have been since they were deregulated.

Look at how well we've been able to trim back the size and power of the "too big to fail" banks.

Nope, unless this is nipped in the bud, the Internet will become just another commodity that is completely under the thumb of the Media Oligarchs.

[Springslips]

9. We need to keep

This on the top of the list. Don't let it float down the river of forget. So is the FCC going to change the internets classification so as to bring neutrality back? They need heat on them.

[Armstead]

10. i agree...We have to write, call, etc

Need to let both the FCC and politicians (including our President) that we tghe people won;lt stand for this.

Otherwise, they'll sweep it under the carpet.

[woo me with science]

11. K&R