According to the LA Times, FCC chairman, Julius Genachowski, has called for two new principles to be approved by the FCC to keep online traffic moving freely. these actions would prevent telecommunication companies such as Verizon and Comcast from restricting websites and other services on the internet. The Internet service providers would be required to manage their networks in a way that does not discriminate against they type of data traveling through their system. The would also have to disclose how their systems are run. Genchowski has said, "We could see the Internet's doors shut to entrepreneurs, the spirit of innovation stifled, a full and free flow of information compromised. Or we could take steps to preserve Internet openness, helping ensure a future of opportunity, innovation and a vibrant marketplace." This attitude comes with the support of President Obama who supported internet neutrality during the 2008 presidential campaign. In defending themselves, the Internet service providers argue that these new rules will limit them from keeping their networks running smoothly. They believe they will be unable to prevent large users from eating up bandwidth that it will slow down service for others. But, according to Genachowski, a more open internet will promote more investment, creating revenue for the Internet service providers to put into managing their networks. These proposals are subject to FCC approval and are sure to be a topic of debate in the future.
If you ask me, I agree with Genchowski and believe that an open and free internet will be beneficial to business opportunity and innovation. Things can be fixed to help the service providers to run their networks smoothly, while letting the users of the internet do as they need to promote and expand their business. Also, at a consumer standpoint, I believe that this will help us gain better information from the internet to make better decisions in purchasing. As the internet expands it is crucial that businesses are able to use it to its fullest potential to put forth their best products. This is all dependent on a open and free internet with the compliance from the Internet service providers.
