Net Neutrality Matt Fletcher

1. Net NeutralityMatt Fletcher Net Neutrality

2. Definition • Net Neutrality can be broadly defined as the policy of Internet Service Provider’s (ISP’s) and Telecom Carriers treating all data equally • ISP’s simply connect the end user to their network and route the user’s data/data requests to the appropriate network • ISP’s could manage traffic on their networks based on load, but not based on what type of connection (TCP/UDP/IPSEC-VPN/FTP) or what type of data (Web/Voice/Video) • ISP’s and Telecom’s may still charge users based on whatever pricing model is appropriate (Connection Speed or Data Cap) Net Neutrality

3. History • February 8th 2004: FCC Chairman, Michael Powell calls for internet freedom and identifies four things that must be protected (Powell 5) • Freedom to Access Content • Freedom to Use Applications • Freedom to Attach Personal Devices • Freedom to Obtain Service Plan information • These principles laid the foundation for the Open Internet Order drafted by the FCC Net Neutrality

4. Open Internet Order • The order lays out three main rules (FCC): • Transparency: Broadband providers must disclose their network management practices, performance and terms of service. • Blocking: Fixed Broadband providers may not block lawful content, applications, services and non-harmful devices • Blocking: WirelessBroadband providers may not block lawful websites or applicationsthat compete with their services • Discrimination: Providers may not discriminate against lawful network traffic (no dropping or reducing bandwidth for torrent files) Net Neutrality

5. Contrast Net Neutrality

6. Story so far…. • In 2008 Comcast is caught reducing bandwidth for certain data types; the FCC orders Comcast to stop doing that • Comcast sued the FCC saying that they have no right to regulate them, and the ruling by the FCC was overturned in 2010 • The FCC establishes the Open Internet Order in 2010 to guarantee some level of net neutrality, but did not classify the ISP’s as “common carriers” • The common carrier designation is a legal term that protects both the carrier and the client/user • Common carrier rules would mean that ISP’s have no authority to modify, block or make use of the data crossing their networks • Verizon sues the FCC arguing that they have no right to regulate the ISP’s, the case is currently under review again • In 2012 AT&T begins to allow Apple Facetime over their network • Their initial blocking of the application was a clear violation of the watered down Neutrality rules Net Neutrality

7. Quotes Why is it that the NSA can get away with spying on law abiding Americans but the FCC can't put reasonable consumer protection laws in place? – Paul Rodgers Perhaps Google should start charging Verizon and AT&T for access to their services. Once customers get a message that they cannot access their GMail because Verizon refused to pay, things might get interesting... - Netwilk Wonderful, now the cable monopolies here in NYC can slow down certain content on their already sluggish networks. And us consumers who only get a choice between TWC and TWC, well we can do what we do best, pay non-competitive prices for service with even more speed caps than before.TWC: "Don't like your internet service? How about adding phone and HD cable TV??" - ColinPoly Net Neutrality

8. Net Neutrality

9. Controversy For Net Neutrality • ISP’s exist to transport data and have no right to profit from content or applications created by others and do not own the data that crosses their networks • ISP’s already charge different prices for different service tiers, but they should not be able to charge based on what content is accessed, or how much of the available bandwidth is used • The monopoly power of ISP’s would essentially guarantee that they would end up dominating content markets • The control of all digital communications by a small group of non-competing companies would stifle innovation and hurt the economy Against Net Neutrality • ISP’s should have the right to determine what is allowed on their networks and to manage their networks and data as they see fit • Regulation of the ISP’s network management policies infringes on their 1st amendment rights • ISP’s should have the right to charge different prices for different levels of service • ISP’s aren’t monopolies because their services compete with each other • Allowing discrimination at the packet level will increase performance of network services • Implement Quality of Service for things like phone and video calls • Over regulation would stifle innovation and hurt the economy Net Neutrality

10. References: • Pricing Picturehttp://www.ohgizmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/net-neutrality-thumb-550x1224-27419.jpg • Blue graphic: http://www.savetheinternet.com/sites/default/files/styles/781wide_nocrop/public/topics/topic_net-neutrality.png?itok=4jurqsYB • Powell, Michael. “Preserving Internet Freeedom”. FCC. Web. February 8, 2004. • http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-243556A1.pdf • Open Interne. FCC. Web. http://www.fcc.gov/guides/open-internet • Common Carrier. Wikipedia. Web. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_carrier • Brodkin, Jon. “FCC’s wishy-washing rulemaking might doom net neutrality in court”. Ars Technica. Conde Nast. Web. September 10, 2013. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/09/fccs-wishy-washy-rulemaking-might-doom-net-neutrality-in-court/ • Bell system graphic: http://www.freepress.net/sites/default/files/fp-legacy/att_history.jpg Net Neutrality