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Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

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Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#91
post #36

One of the problems with Net Neutrality is that techies (us) and the media have both had a hard time explaining it clearly. Meanwhile those opposed have been able to come up with analogies that while false and misleading, are easily understood. What is the best way to explain the concept that can be quickly understood by those that are non-technical?

You pay more for the same electricity for your toaster, when it's a brand that isn't owned by the power company.

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#92

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"If you want the Internet to continue working exactly as it has since it was created, a fair and level playing field for both Google and Grandma, then you're in favor of Net Neutrality. If instead you want the telecom natural monopolies to take more control of the Internet and change how it works to bias whoever can pay them more, then you're against Net Neutrality."

I'm not sure if I like this explanation because it seems to create an "us" versus "them" mentality without much nuance.

Is there any nuance? We're all equal on here or not.

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#93
post #73

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The most useful analogy I've seen is the "ala carte internet" one. "Get Facebook, Twitter, and Google for just $9.99/mo!" "Add on the video package and get Netflix and Hulu for only $24.99/mo more!" "News junkie? Get BBC, NY Times, CNN for $7.99/mo." The reality is of course much more nuanced than that (what's more likely is we'll see these sites being offered bandwidth cap exemptions and faster loading; not outright…

Optus in Australia offers "free social" including Facebook and Twitter. For most normal people, network neutrality takes that away (that's how the big players will spin it). Keep in mind, Wikipedia benefits from non-neutral networks in some developing countries where Wikipedia doesn't count towards the bandwidth cap. It's a pretty complicated world.

It's easy and cheap to offer some salad on the house for PR, while you're peddling your other crap when they're already through the door.

Wikipedia is only on offer for (disingenous) good will.

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#94
post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That trick of procedurally gavelling open a session and immediately closing it to avoid the recess disgusts me beyond words. The GOP basically opted to treat the Constitution as a dead letter through tricks such as these and refusing to even dignify Garland's nomination with a hearing. Besides the political ramifications I think it's sad that a guy who's widely regarded as a decent hardworking jurist will have his le…

Look it up. It was invented by Democrats, specifically Harry Reid I think. Live by the sword, die by the sword ...

Democrats used to hold the Republican party's stances and the Republican party used to hold the Democrat's. Saying that something was invented by Democrats is essentially saying it was invented by people who would agree with today's Republicans.

http://factmyth.com/factoids/democrats-and-republicans-switc...

http://www.livescience.com/34241-democratic-republican-parti...

https://www.quora.com/Is-it-true-that-Democrats-used-to-be-t...

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#95
post #36

One of the problems with Net Neutrality is that techies (us) and the media have both had a hard time explaining it clearly. Meanwhile those opposed have been able to come up with analogies that while false and misleading, are easily understood. What is the best way to explain the concept that can be quickly understood by those that are non-technical?

"Imagine if there was a different speed limit depending on if you were driving to McDonalds or to Burger King"

To which the reply will be:

"If Burger King pays someone to enable me to get there faster, then that's cool!"

(devil's advocate)

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#96
post #80
post #72

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In New Zealand, our broadband market is structurally separated. The the access provider for both the copper and fibre network (right to the customer premises) is a regulated wholesale only provider, which is required to provide open access to its network on a non-discriminatory basis between all access seekers (retail telecommunications companies).[0] This almost entirely resolves the net neutrality debate in New Zea…

How well do you feel that this has worked? I was under the impression that telecom prices in New Zealand were pretty painfully expensive?

It's a little island in the middle of the pacific everything except maybe sheep is going to be expensive

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#97
post #36

One of the problems with Net Neutrality is that techies (us) and the media have both had a hard time explaining it clearly. Meanwhile those opposed have been able to come up with analogies that while false and misleading, are easily understood. What is the best way to explain the concept that can be quickly understood by those that are non-technical?

If all roads were owned by companies, should it be OK for UPS to charge FedEx or ambulances more to drive on its roads? This is imperfect, obviously, but I think it gets close to the core issues fairly concisely. Frankly, I, as a citizen, think you should be allowed to sell the pipe, what goes over the pipe, or what the consumer connects to the pipe, but only one of the three. I like that this has reasonably clear di…

They do charge different kinds of vehicles different prices to drive on toll ways and many cities have freeways w/o tolls and a parallel express lane you can choose to pay a toll to use.

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#98
post #36

One of the problems with Net Neutrality is that techies (us) and the media have both had a hard time explaining it clearly. Meanwhile those opposed have been able to come up with analogies that while false and misleading, are easily understood. What is the best way to explain the concept that can be quickly understood by those that are non-technical?

If all roads were owned by companies, should it be OK for UPS to charge FedEx or ambulances more to drive on its roads? This is imperfect, obviously, but I think it gets close to the core issues fairly concisely. Frankly, I, as a citizen, think you should be allowed to sell the pipe, what goes over the pipe, or what the consumer connects to the pipe, but only one of the three. I like that this has reasonably clear di…

They do charge different kinds of vehicles different prices to drive on toll ways and many cities have freeways w/o tolls and a parallel express lane you can choose to pay a toll to use.

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#99
post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That trick of procedurally gavelling open a session and immediately closing it to avoid the recess disgusts me beyond words. The GOP basically opted to treat the Constitution as a dead letter through tricks such as these and refusing to even dignify Garland's nomination with a hearing. Besides the political ramifications I think it's sad that a guy who's widely regarded as a decent hardworking jurist will have his le…

Look it up. It was invented by Democrats, specifically Harry Reid I think. Live by the sword, die by the sword ...

It was invented by the Republicans, back when they were called Democrats.

Re: Tom Wheeler Resigns from the FCC

#100
post #80
post #72

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In New Zealand, our broadband market is structurally separated. The the access provider for both the copper and fibre network (right to the customer premises) is a regulated wholesale only provider, which is required to provide open access to its network on a non-discriminatory basis between all access seekers (retail telecommunications companies).[0] This almost entirely resolves the net neutrality debate in New Zea…

How well do you feel that this has worked? I was under the impression that telecom prices in New Zealand were pretty painfully expensive?

NZ used to have expensive and slow internet (we don't have much TV cable here, so it was all ADSL), but it's gotten a lot better in the last few years. Currently I have 1000mbit down / 500mbit up fiber with unlimited data for $130nz/month (90usd).

The model does work pretty well.

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