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Net Neutrality and You By Jim Neusom The City Lights Reporter Los Angeles - Net Neutrality is a new age term that you should be very aware of. Currently congress is reevaluating telecommunication laws that will define the future of the Net. As an online activist, I'm always encouraging my readers to take action. Most of us, only think of our governmental representatives come election time. But what they do everyday, affects your freedom, opportunities, and most importantly your pocket. In this digital age, where entertainment/content is no longer tied to traditional consumer devices such as TV or radio. Free and unrestricted access to the pipes that deliver that content is crucial. What is now being discussed in the back rooms of the halls of congress can be compared to what took place in the cable industries effort to monopolize home TV (they may do it yet). Let me explain; in the beginning of subscription TV (think cable), the question was asked...Why should I pay for what I'm already getting for free? With the advent of ESPN, CNN, MTV and HBO, the question changed to how much money should consumers pay for this service? Today the question is; Who controls what flows through these pipes that deliver digital services...government (meaning you) or industry. Last year the Federal Communications Commission defined its general outlook on broadband deployment and access, spelling out the rights that Americans should have. These rights include; being able to access the legal content they want; run the applications they want; connect to the devices they want; and enjoy fair competition among service, application, and content providers. The FCC's statement does not have the force of law, but this has become the accepted definition of Net Neutrality. Now, as the new Bush appointed FCC Chairman takes control, the Republican congress has (with the help of industry lobbyist) decided to reform telecommunication laws. The phone companies are at the forefront, arguing that they rightfully deserve a return on the billions, they have spent developing and implementing the broadband/fiber networks that Google, iPod, and others, are enriching themselves on. In fact at a recent conference marking the 10th anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, a Verizon executive publicly complained that "Google was getting a free lunch" ISP's such as AOL, are now proposing to circumvent Spam filters and deliver commercial ad's to their subscribers...for a small fee. PC World is reporting that a number of companies such as SBC/ATT , Verizon and others have begun talking about offering a new prioritization service to Internet businesses. The general concept is simple: Pay the ISP some extra money, and the data packets to and from your Web site get priority. Your users will get the information they want faster, or perhaps they will enjoy a smoother online gaming experience, or they'll be able to make their purchases more quickly. Whichever the case, what business wouldn't want to deliver a better online experience to its customers (then their poorer competitors)? And we haven't even started talking about the lobbying efforts of the entertainment industry; From music network such as iTunes to movie rental sites like CinemaNow, legitimate digital media services are exploding. But each additional option brings a new battle, new restrictions, and even new dangers for the unsuspecting consumer. Sony's DRM allowed hackers to co-opt users' PCs. Satellite and HD Radio, may be unrecordable (if the music industry has its way). And TV fans are finding that cable stations are limiting their ability to time-shift shows pending...federal legislation. The questions on the table now, is whether to allow the mega corporations to have their way, or to keep the Internet, Net Neutral. How legislators respond to the issues above, could change the nature of the Internet, and lead to a Web where only the wealthy get seen and heard. You need to take action today. Your voice matters, you can make a difference, contact your local Congressman or Senator and state your position "on the record"...This is an election year! Contact your local TV and radio station and tell them of your opposition to any legislation, taxation, or action that would prevent the Internet from continuing to be Net Neutral. Contact your network of online friends and associates and have them Vote with their telephones; Vote with their fax machine; Vote with their send Buttons. Remember We Must Share The Knowledge...To Share The Dollars!
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About The Author: His stated corporate goal is to assist African Americans and people of color in the achievement of social and economic equality on the Net. He is a credentialed freelance writer and his opinions and insights can be found on websites, community publications and many international publications. He is a national speaker, and donates his time to teach and encourage small, minority and women owned business to get involved in Internet technology. Regular Freelance Contributor to;
The Black Web Portal Manhunt.com http://www.manhunt.com BlackPress.org http://www.blackpress.org Black Tech Magazine http://www.blacktechmagazine.com/index.shtml Afromerica.com http://www.afromerica.com/columns/neusom/ Black Filmmaker Magazine http://www.bfmmedia.com/ You can find more detailed information on his website http://www.citylightssoftware.com or read his daily posts at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_City_Lights_Reporter/ ****************************************************** This article submission was brought to you by InterServe Networks. Feel Free To Forward To the appropriate Editor and/or Feature Writer. We Practice Responsible E-Commerce Marketing and Privacy Policies. We do not indulge in or encourage Spamming. We never send unsolicited emails. You are receiving this message as part of our opt-in subscriber mailing list or you are a member of an affiliated newsgroup. For comments or suggestions please contact us at the following;
Jim Neusom
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Brother Jim Neusom will be keeping the Black community updated on the most current social and technology news. Visit regularly for new information that could help you overcome and make the best of your everyday experiences. To subscribe to Neusom's column join the Afromerica email list to receive new information as it is updated. Or E-mail Neusom at: jneusom@yahoo.com
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