President Obama comes out in support of net neutrality

2014-11-10T17:02:47-05:00

Summary: President Obama is calling for the FTC to regulate internet service like a utility. The idea being that our President condemns internet providers extorting websites/businesses for more money to get better connection speeds to their user base/customers.

Too little, too late? What's everyone's thoughts on this? Where do you stand on this first amendment issue?

Obama: Regulate broadband Internet like a utility so it 'works for everyone' - CNET

President Obama calls for tighter rules from the FCC -- leaving a little bit of wiggle room -- in an effort to preserve a "free and open Internet."

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 5:37 PM

2014-11-10T17:37:09-05:00

I think consumers should get what they pay for. If you are willing to pay for it, you should have superior connection speed/ quality. What frosts me is paying for fast connection, and getting a download speed of roughly 25% of the advertised speed. I'm looking at you, Xfinity.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 7:56 PM

2014-11-10T19:56:10-05:00

Ted Cruz is showing his stupidity again regarding this topic:

http://www.businessinsider.com/ted-cruz-net-neutrality-is-obamacare-for-the-internet-2014-11

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2014 12:38 AM

2014-11-12T00:38:49-05:00

Mama always told me there were three sides to a story. In this case we have one side supporting net neutrality, one side that's against net neutrality and then we have the truth. I feel like both sides kind of blow it out of proportion and spin it. Can anyone give me the non BS side of it all? What does this mean for consumers, companies and the whole idea of regulation?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2014 12:48 AM

2014-11-12T00:48:53-05:00

It is unfortunate that these political leaders cannot grasp the importance of net neutrality:
"No matter how things play out with net neutrality, the outcome is likely to hurt the poor. Whether we want to admit it or not, we continue to give more control over the internet to the government. The problem isn’t the ISPs, it’s the FCC."

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Nov 14 at 2014 3:21 PM

2014-11-14T15:21:25-05:00

Many know that Ted Cruz has come out against this and I can agree with him due to having the government regulating something by definition makes it less free or neutral. I feel like the President is again using a buzz word "Net Neutrality" to garner support for something that is not necessarily what people think it is. It was the same way with the "Affordable Care Act" and its provisions that are still coming out.

Cruz made mention of a few points I feel are worth considering:

The Texas senator outlined four basic principles to follow if America wants to stay the leader in guiding the Internet:

1.Permanently ban any taxing of Internet access and sales. A tax would allow sales tax jurisdictions around the nation to plague online retailers. Cruz noted that lobbyists for big business favor the tax because smaller businesses would suffer more than they would.

2.Deny any nations hostile to human rights and democracy more influence over Internet policy. Cruz specifically mentioned Iran, Russia, and China.

3.Prevent “net neutrality." As Cruz wrote, “In short, net neutrality is Obamacare for the Internet.” He added, “Government-regulated utilities invariably destroy innovation and freedom. Which is more innovative, the U.S. Postal Service or Facebook and Twitter? Which is better for consumers, city taxi commissions or Uber and Lyft?”

4.Stay vigilant with regard to digital rights. Cruz pointed out, “Intellectual property must be defended, but any threat to quell speech on the Internet must be treated seriously and subsequently defeated.”

A well documented report on the President's points:
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/obama-net-neutrality-statement-meaning,news-19895.html

Ted Cruz Source:
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/11/13/Cruz-Stands-Tall-for-Internet-Freedom

Ted Cruz Stands Tall for Internet Freedom - Breitbart

Cruz pointed out that there are trillions of dollars at stake and that the Internet should be a source of tremendous economic power and growth if left unleashed. But he warned that the politicians in Washington not only want the money, they also want to quash free speech.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Dec 10 at 2014 9:20 PM

2014-12-10T21:20:31-05:00

Another interesting article that came across my desk:

http://www.technotification.com/2014/05/government-starts-testing-program-in.html

More regulations equals more freedom right?

Government to start a Program in which a user must have License to access the Internet!

Government to start a Program in which a user must have License to access the Internet! - Technotification

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jan 20 at 2015 12:17 PM

2015-01-20T12:17:36-05:00

there were good ideas that started this debate, but what they are pushing has no good in it

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Feb 25 at 2015 1:09 PM

2015-02-25T13:09:01-05:00

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/414380/fcc-chair-refuses-testify-congress-ahead-net-neutrality-vote-andrew-johnson

What are they hiding?

FCC Chair Refuses to Testify before Congress ahead of Net Neutrality Vote

Response by Cpl Steven Wilson made Feb 25 at 2015 1:22 PM

2015-02-25T13:22:50-05:00

There is not one agency that allows for free competition or best practices like the free market. The Only time that the internet was "extortion" or reduction of speed is when NetFlix was using 1/3rd of the Comcast bandwidth. They came to an agreement, NetFlix paid for the use of the service and both companies became better.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 1:41 PM

2015-02-25T13:41:14-05:00

I am in agreement with Pres. Obama on this one.

Response by GySgt Michael Emerson made Feb 25 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-02-25T13:42:11-05:00

The last thing America needs is more regulation.

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Feb 25 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-02-25T13:48:04-05:00

Oh yeah better faster cheaper just like everything else the government regulates. Ever go into any government buildings for a service? The DMV is a great example. The only thing run well by any federal agency is DoD and that is only up until politicians get involved then that too crashes. The government controls Internet service now they are going to regulate it. Well that will give young people a change to experience dialup speeds.

Response by Sgt Jason West made Feb 25 at 2015 2:01 PM

2015-02-25T14:01:00-05:00

Net neutrality is NOT regulating the internet like a utility. Net neutrality is keeping the government out of the internet completely, but the term was hijacked. Certain law makers stole the term to throw on their bill to confuse people into thinking it was truely a free and open net, while being able to take control of the internet and eventually it's content. Think I'm paranoid? Hmm when was the last time the government didn't control content over anything they have control over?

Anyway, hell no the government should not control the internet in any way. If anything we need to break the monopolies cable providers have in areas and allow competition between providers.