NEW YORK TIMES: … http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/business/fcc-to-propose-new-rules-on-open-internet.html?hpThe proposal, unveiled by the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday, is part of a continuing battle over the basic pipelines through which information flows on the Internet. With the latest plan, the F.C.C. is hewing close to previous efforts — albeit with some technical differences — with rules that would prevent Internet service providers from blocking any legal sites or services from consumers and would aim to restrict, but not outlaw, discrimination.
Broadband players like Verizon and Time Warner Cable have spent billions of dollars upgrading their infrastructure, and they argue that they should manage their networks as they like. They are pushing, for example, to give Netflix, Amazon and other content providers faster access to their customers at a cost.
But regulators want to prevent such deals, saying large, rich companies could have an unfair advantage. The worry is that innovation could be stifled, preventing the next Facebook or Google from getting off the ground. Consumer advocates have generally sided with regulators in the belief that Internet providers should not give preferential treatment to content companies willing to pay extra — a cost that could be passed on to customers… (more)
“Broadband players like Verizon and Time Warner Cable have spent billions of dollars upgrading their infrastructure…”
That is the key sentence. So the FCC wants to regulate the private property of Verizon and Time Warner even before there is any proof of discrimination. There is nothing wrong with giant corporations paying more for better access. Many areas of the country are building or have already built better highways for those individuals willing to pay for using them.
Perhaps the broadband players made a huge mistake by investing in infrastructure. Perhaps they should uninvest and see how the people respond to the FCC ‘s help.
EDITOR: The Internet belongs to the public. The CABLE companies are licensees. An issue is whether the CABLE companies should be allowed to sell preferential utilization of the Internet when it is the public that owns that capacity.
Anytime the CABLE companies want to relinquish their franchises, others will be delighted to take their places… and to invest in that highly profitable industry.