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FCC weakens net neutrality rule in a prelude to larger rollbacks

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Re: FCC weakens net neutrality rule in a prelude to larger rollbacks

#321

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> In this instance the other side is largely a tiny fraction of the population. You're correct but it's irrelevant. A smaller representation does NOT make an issue lopsided in justification. This is all highly contextual and will only lead to further, circular arguments. > This issue is lopsided in that destroying net neutrality would harm almost everyone to benefit a few thousand people[...]It's easy to understand t…

>You're correct but it's irrelevant. A smaller representation does NOT make an issue lopsided in justification. The issue is lopsided in terms of cost benefit analysis. Nothing more. The benefits to the shareholders and employees of a few corporations are vastly outweighed by the detriment to the rest of society. Regulations change and companies have to adapt. The risk of changing regulations is part of the cost of d…

> The issue is lopsided in terms of cost benefit analysis. Nothing more. The benefits to the shareholders and employees of a few corporations are vastly outweighed by the detriment to the rest of society.

We're arguing past each other (I had already addressed this but I digress).

> How does making it illegal for ISPs to favor traffic from some sources over others enable the government to take control over information sharing infrastructure?

Never said it would enable the government to "take control over information sharing infrastructure". Net neutrality govern by the FCC gives them powers over the internet itself that can affect not just our country but other countries as well.

This is a common talking point by the EFF folks regarding pros and cons of net neutrality.

Re: FCC weakens net neutrality rule in a prelude to larger rollbacks

#322

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wireless is not for everyone--not yet. However, many people do not use a lot of bandwidth and they may find wireless to be quite adequate. As wireless bandwidth goes up in quality and down in price, people might truly start to "cut the cord". Twenty years ago you could substitute "cellular" for "wireless" and "landline" for "home internet" and make the same claims. No one dreamed people would eliminate land phones ba…

A strange thing I've noticed about telecoms in the US is that prices never fall - instead consumers just get more value and are constantly upsold higher-value offerings - this is not a bad thing in itself, but whereas in the UK and most of Europe I can get a a few gigs of 4G/LTE data for my phone for about €10 - something you'd have to pay $50+ for in the USA. The same goes for home internet - the cheapest non-promot…

> The same goes for home internet - the cheapest non-promotional rate in my area is $45/mo for 10mbps, but pay $20/more and you get 100mbps. Why isn't there a sub-$30/mo offering?

I know that Cox has some kind of "low speed, low price" offering, that I believe is under $30/month - but they kinda hide it on their site; I think you have to explicitly call and ask for it. See here (scroll near the bottom):

https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/speeds-and-data-plans.h...

Note the "Starter Package", then note the package one level up ("Essential"). If you click on the link next to the "Starter Package" for pricing, you will be taken to another page - where the lowest shown tier is for the "Essential Package". But I'm pretty sure you can get the "Starter Package" if you call first.

There's also this for low-income families:

http://connect2compete.org/cox/

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