I know, I know, this sounds about as interesting as watching paint dry. it’s kind of like having fire insurance. The top BOOOORRRRRRING – until you have a fire and then its a topic of high interest.
Well….we have a fire!!
if you don’t find the topic interesting now – you will. Just as soon as the implications for your own web presence become apparent.
At this moment in time you can access anything on the internet with equal speed. All those big companies with their pockets stuffed full of VC can not do one thing: they can not control the speed with which your web site or theirs is accessed. In this way – we are all equal. My blog will load as fast as Trulia or Zillow.
BUT -what if that could change? What if the Trulia’s and Zillow’s and ALL of those wonderful indexed IDX companies could “buy” their way to the front of the line. Their sites snap up in the blink of an eye – while your site which has been carefully and lovingly nurtured can’t be opened or has been left in the slow lane because you couldn’t pay what they can.
What if your readers suddenly had trouble accessing your site?
Potential clients might be able to access your site, but they had better be patient and perhaps brew a nice pot of coffee while they are waiting. Once on your home page exploration of other pages proves equally frustrating. Each page loads at a snails crawl. You might have a loyal following, but how much are they supposed to put up with to access your information?
Have I got your attention?
Net neutrality ensures that your site will open as quickly and as readily as the “big gun” sites. For the uninitiated the video below will help explain what is meant by “net neutrality.” The video is old, but still relevant.
The net neutrality debate has been on the table since the days of the Bush administration In fact,The FCC and net neutrality issue have a long history together. During the Bush years, the majority of the powers that be in the FCC favored allowing telecommunications companies to do whatever they wanted with their “pipes.” Although net neutrality ruled the day, there were enough votes overturn the status quo. The above video and the “Save the Internet” campaign began as a result in 2006. Obama and the current FCC appear to be in favor of net neutrality (an improvement over what was present during the Bush years) BUT a recent court ruling has put net neutrality back on the table.
In April a court ruling limits the FCC’s authority to regulate internet service such that all web sites are created equal in terms of speed. The decision forced the FCC to reconsider their strategy with respect to net neutrality mandates. US Court Curbs FCC Authority on Web Traffic)
Since that time, the FCC has thrown in the towel in trying to negotiate with telecommunications companies. FCC gives up on brokering compromise on ‘net neutrality’ Google and Verizon have hammered out an agreement on their own that has come up against fierce criticism. Net neutrality crusaders slam Verizon, Google .
NAR has maintained its support of net neutrality and has been lobbying for same.
Will the Internet stay open? NAR’s position on FCC proposal Here is the low-down from Agent Genius on the Google-Verizon deal: Google-Verizon Deal: How does it affect your net?
I feel it is imperative that the FCC have the power to enforce net neutrality. As some of the articles I’ve read and site indicate – the telecom companies were ready enough to accept government $$$ in order to establish and expand its broadband base. As one writer expressed “They were out with their wheelbarrows to collect all the cash.” Did they really think they could collect all that cash without having to abide by certain basic practices?
Perhaps the most direct way to ensure that net neutrality becomes and remains the law of the land would be to get Congress to enact legislation – in an election year – yeah – GOOD LUCK!!!! IMO the Google/Verizon talks are not the last nail in the coffin,but they are perhaps the 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
Note: It is obvious that this issue has many serious implications for our society. Since this is my real estate blog – I have limited the discussion to this area – otherwise this would have been a “book” not a blog!
Amazing Video by Lawrence Lessig.
If you want a detailed video by Lawrence Lessig on net neutrality – this video is worth a watch….but it does take time.
©2010 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.
