Freedom through oppression: CCIA lobbies for net neutrality, subsidies, tax breaks
The Wall Street Journal attempted to kick up a controversy a couple weeks back with its pronouncement that major tech companies—including Microsoft and Google—were backing away from their commitment to network neutrality. The tech giants are major funders of the Computer & Communications Industry Association, a DC-based trade group that fights for their shared interests. The CCIA has just submitted its proposed list of tech priorities to the Obama transition team. Top of the list? Network neutrality.
This position makes sense when you consider that CCIA doesn’t represent ISPs but those who create the software running on desktops and servers at the edges of the Internet. As Ed Black, the group’s president, puts it, “Since we represent innovators, we have continually taken a stand for competition policy that makes it possible for the next YouTube to make it out of the dormitory or garage—so that the best technology can prevail over current business models.”
But Black doesn’t believe that issues like net neutrality or privacy or copyrights can be considered in isolation; they’re all of a piece. “At the core of these issues,” he writes, “is the question of how firmly we are committed to a common ethic of promoting Internet openness, freedom, and innovation. Freedom on the Internet is critical to vibrant communication and information exchange, which foster innovation and help drive our economy. “
When it comes to broadband deployment, CCIA wants to see federal money only going to companies that roll out high-speed infrastructure: 25Mbps fiber links to the home or 2-4Mbps wireless links in areas where fiber laying might be too expensive. The group also proposes tax credits for homeowners who want to own their “fiber tail” directly.
They want freedom yet support net neutrality? Freedom but forcing people to use their own property in ways they don’t want to under the threat of force. Freedom but wanting stolen goods (tax dollars) to be given to companies that do what they like. Innovation through violence. Openness through force. Freedom through oppression.
I’m confused.
Related posts:
- They almost have it right: Google and Verizon look to voluntary enforcement of “net neutrality”
- FCC to support and enforce Net Neutrality
- Expect stagnation and further government intervention: FCC “We’re Going to Make Net Neutrality the Law”
- Obama’s FCC Chair pick
- Congress looking to control how Internet access providers use their pipes
September 11th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Absolutely! Everybody will be more free if the government allows the ISPs to further exploit their already near-monopolistic business practices to filter what content people are able to access over the internet!
“I’m confused.”
Yes. You clearly haven’t considered all the implications.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:05 am
You can’t have more freedom through more tyranny which is exactly what net neutrality is. You will be giving the government, not the people, control over what and how access is used. Besides you are attacking symptoms rather then causes. The only reason there are “near-monopolistic business practices” is because the government keeps out competition by claiming ownership of the radio spectrum, by giving geographic monopoly privileges to particular providers, etc.
If you want unfiltered access to the internet then do business with a company which provides it and get the government out of the business of regulating what ISPs can and can not do. You act as if there would be no market for that. These ISPs and infrastructure providers haven’t started charging content providers yet… why would they in the future if the customers are so against it? Even if some did… so what? It’s their property. If you really want egalitarian routing so bad then you can start your own business.
You are the one who hasn’t considered all the implications… or you don’t care. You are advocating for property rights infringements and giving the government even greater control of the internet. They do such a wonderful job with the financial, airline, railroad, education, prison, telephone, oil industries… i’m sure internet will go just swell.
Stop forcing your beliefs and desires on others.