Comcast has decided to fee Netflix’s content supplier, Level 3, for network access. Net neutrality advocates are very worried about this move. Several network providers claim that they can self-police. Comcast’s new “traffic toll” is leading many to question if this is really possible. The FCC has yet to take action on net neutrality, though they’re expected to vote in December.
Netflix charge from Comcast
Comcast is a media business that provides television, internet and telephone service. An on-demand and pay-per-view online movie service is used by Comcast too. There is a content-delivery network called Level 3. Getting Netflix streamed to your computer is one thing that it’s working on. Comcast has decided to fee Level 3, and therefore Netflix, a “recurring fee in exchange for allowing Netflix streaming media … to flow unfettered.” Netflix could have to pay for this for Comcast customers. Otherwise, the service can be unavailable.
The problem related to Comcast/Netflix and net neutrality
All internet traffic has to be treated equally with net neutrality. Earlier this year, Comcast was sanctioned by the Federal Communications Commission for “throttling,” or slowing down, traffic to file-sharing service BitTorrent. Comcast said there was no rule or law that said web traffic had to be treated equally which began a fight. Comcast says it’s charging Level 3 and Netflix the fee as the high level of web traffic through Netflix strains their network. Opponents are saying Netflix has to pay the fee because their service competes with Comcast’s own content streaming network.
Many arguing over net neutrality
Those for net neutrality suggest that there’s a great example of why net neutrality is important. The Comcast/Netflix fee shows the importance. No traffic should be treated better or worse than other traffic on the internet. Large internet providers, such as Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast say that broadband and internet providers should be able to make their own internet content deals, much like cable television functions. What do you think? The FCC has the choice of voting for net neutrality or letting businesses regulate themselves. Which is right?
Articles cited
PC World
pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/211964/comcast_toll_on_netflix_screams_for_net_neutrality.html?tk=hp_new
LA Times
latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/11/the-morning-fix-comcast-in-fight-with-level-3-seacrest-staying-on-radio-winters-bone-has-good-night-.html
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_neutrality
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