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July 18, 2006
Dear CNET members, Ah, the debate over Net neutrality! What is it and what's all the fuss about? In a nutshell, Net neutrality is the idea that broadband carriers should not be able to configure their networks in any way that plays favorites, which could allow them, for example, to transmit their own services at faster speeds or to charge other Web companies a fee for similar fast delivery. Those that are pro-Net neutrality fear the entire Internet is at risk--that broadband carriers will get Congress's permission to determine what content gets to you first and fastest. This topic continues to be fiercely debated. And speaking of debate, we have our own heated discussion right here on CNET. In the right corner, we have CNET.com executive editor Molly Wood, who believes that we must have legislation to protect the open and equal nature of the Net or the Net must be regulated as a utility, just like highways and water pipes--and we must have one or the other right away. Otherwise, she says, the telcos and the cable companies pushing for a tiered Internet will cheerfully turn it into a lopsided disaster filled with perfectly accessible content created by those very same telcos and cable companies. In the left corner, we have Scott Cleland, chairman of NetCompetition.org, which is funded by telecom, wireless, and cable companies. Cleland believes that Net neutrality will, among other things, restrict a consumer's choice in broadband services as well as slow the deployment of broadband across the country. See where the debate was born by reading the latest Buzz report column, "Net neutrality: bring it on." This is an open forum for all of you to discuss, so if you have a perspective on Net neutrality, join in and speak your mind!
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This week's hot topic:
Net neutrality legislationNet neutrality isn't an easy debate to summarize, but it sure does get people talking. Do you worry that telcos will start charging for Internet access à la carte, depending on what sites you want to visit? Or will government regulation mean broadband companies won't be properly funded to continue building faster networks? Read the latest Buzz Report "Net neutrality: bring it on" and share your thoughts. Equal voices, equal time? In this fiery post, Scott Cleland tells Molly that she doesn't "have much sympathy for the constitutional rights of others to have due process," and says she has "refuse(d) to grant me equal time to rebut your mis-informed commentary." Read Scott Cleland's full post in CNET TalkBack Already in the spotlight In her own rebuttal, Molly points out that by her estimation, he's already written "several guest columns at this point," which have been promoted along with Molly's original article. Read Molly's full post in CNET TalkBack Here's an idea--do nothing While many have taken a stand on one side or another, member maximum4x4 suggests we take a wait -and-see approach for now. The idea has sparked a discussion, with other members responding to this idea. What's your opinion? Read maximum4x4's full post in CNET TalkBack There is no neutral in the word profit CNET member bdennis410 says this is all a move by the telcos to make more money. He sees more fees and higher rates down the road and feels the telcos should invest their own money in infrastructure improvements and construction. Is this a reasonable expectation of a company? Read bdennis410's full post in CNET TalkBack Government should represent the citizens While acknowledging telcos' need to turn a profit, CNET member JonDeutsch believes government should act as the capitalist referee and step in to speak for the people. Do you agree? Read JonDeutsch's full post in CNET TalkBack Speak Up! When it comes to Net neutrality, who do you think should have control over the Internet--the service providers or the content providers? Can the market work it out, or do we need legislative help? Read the latest Buzz Report, "Net neutrality: bring it on," then speak up in the TalkBack section. • Net neutrality showdown From CNET News.com • Me vs. telco lobbyist Scott Cleland From Alpha: The CNET blog  Here are some interesting comments you've recently submitted
on CNET. Read up on it and talk about it.
• Is a computer a piece of photographic equipment? We all use them to process, print, and store our images, but do you think of your computer as photo gear? And how much do you think about photography when shopping for a new computer? • What's your favorite free security program? Security and spyware protection is one area where you don't want to skimp. However, many average computer users can't afford a full Internet security suite. Luckily, there are several great free programs that provide basic security coverage. So what's your favorite free security and spyware software? • Is 3G worth all the fuss? A handful of cell phone carriers now offer 3G networks, which bring broadband data services to compatible cell phones. With 3G you can watch streaming video, conduct a mobile videoconference, and download large files such as music tracks in a flash. The carriers are pushing the services hard with fancy phones and promised services, but is 3G worth all the fuss and expense? |
Weigh in on this week's hot topic:
 Service providers (tell us why) Content providers (tell us why) I don't care (tell us why)
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