Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Discussion Notes Part 5: Questions for Dan about Net Neutrality

In response to Dan's presentation, James, a local community member asked for some clarification in the terms the panelist have been using. For instance, public media and community media. Fred Johnson responded that public media is media created with the public interest in mind. This definition can be confused with alternative or independant media. Community media is locally community based practices, as well as new social networks online.

James also asked about the net neutrality and the current bills. Andy Carvin pointed out that it's not necessarily about what's in the bill, but what is NOT in the bill. He also explained that network neutrality is the big companies wanting to control how people access content on their pipes. Network neutrality is about preserving universal, unregulated to content on the net. Andy really sees it as a free speech issue.

The hard idea to explain to people about net neutrality is how individual people will be affected. The companies that own the pipes want to be able to charge both users and content creators to use the Internet, that up to now has been free for anyone to access.

Another idea to wrap your head around is big companies like Verizon's interests in these issues. Andy suggested that while Verizon is making money now, their business model is outdated and they fear their ability to profit in the future unless they quickly get into these new markets (video and internet).

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