Re: Some very brief thoughts on the next steps fpor the FCC

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: "David P. Reed" <dpreed () reed com>
Date: April 7, 2010 6:51:44 AM EDT
To: dave () farber net
Cc: ip <ip () v2 listbox com>
Subject: Re: [IP] Some very brief thoughts on the next steps fpor the FCC

Another path:

Forget the FCC.  The process that kills the Internet happens when, in the name of "our pipes", those who merely provide 
*access* to the Internet attempt to define what is, and what is not, the Internet for captive subscribers.

Competition does not magically fix this.  (Some forms of competition begin by destroying the Internet, then making a 
set of walled gardens, because it is *what you can reach* and *who you can connect to* that defines user value of the 
Internet, not speed).

We need to recognize that the Internet *transcends* the power of the US Gov't.  and *act like it*.  Do not just forget 
the FCC, ignore them. Do not accept the right of gov't or Comcast or ATT to restrict who you can connect to through the 
Internet, or their right to interfere with your connectivity, merely because they own your pipes.

Start using peer-to-peer solutions.   Use TOR if you have to.  Blow up the rate limiters.  Take control of your iPhone 
and install software that fights for capacity on the 3G network.

Cooperate with those who build a shared network, and bypass or shut down those who would restrict it.  Manage your own 
traffic, don't let them shut down your traffic in the name of protecting their ability to exploit you.

Build a free and open Internet despite those who would shut it down and balkanize it.


On 04/06/2010 07:23 PM, David Farber wrote:
> There are three apparent paths for the FCC.
>
> 1. Ask the Congress to change the law. Given the exhaustion of the Hill after the Health debate and the financial 
> system regulations, it is doubtful that they want to get involved in what is likely to be a mess in a bi-election 
> year. 
>
> 2. They could change the status of the Internet and make it a Title 2 Telecommunications service. Shades of the old 
> heavy regulatory structure. Doing this might undercut the ability of the industry to raise capital and cause a 
> serious market impact. Also it would change the network culture in not necessarily beneficial ways Big gamble for the 
> FCC and the Internet.
>
> 3. They could appeal the ruling and buy time and pay attention to the National Bandwidth issues. Lots to gain and 
> little to loose.
>
> Dave
>
>
>
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