110 likes | 235 Views
Better TV for all. Jeff Blum Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel jeffrey.blum@dish.com. NET NEUTRALITY. What is Net Neutrality? Why is it important? What is the current state of the Internet? What does this mean for consumers?. WHAT IS NET NEUTRALITY?.
E N D
Jeff Blum • Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel • jeffrey.blum@dish.com
NET NEUTRALITY • What is Net Neutrality? • Why is it important? • What is the current state of the Internet? • What does this mean for consumers?
WHAT IS NET NEUTRALITY? Net Neutrality means that broadband providers should not be able to act as gatekeepers for information that gets on the Internet.
WHY IS NET NEUTRALITY IMPORTANT? • Without rules of the road, broadband providers can, and likely would, provide faster access to content of their own choosing, SLOWING DOWN or BLOCKING ACCESS to other content. • An essential facility, like electricity.
THE CURRENT SITUATION • Broadband providers have blocked lawful applications – sometimes covertly. • Past conduct is a harbinger of the future. • Conduct hurts consumers • Anti-competitive • Confusing • Stifles innovation
A REAL LIFE EXAMPLE iPhone TV Apps Comparison: Kilo-Bits per Second Green = Approved by AT&T / Apple Red = Rejected by AT&T / Apple
THE “THIRD WAY” • Bittorent case • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pursuing a “Third Way” approach to reclassify the transmission component of broadband networks under Title II of the Communications Act. • This approach will provide the FCC with a sound jurisdictional basis for implementing sensible rules of the road.
CONSUMERS BENEFIT • Rules of the road are necessary to protect consumers, ensure competition, and foster innovation. • Prevents economic discrimination.
TITLE II RULES • “All services and charges must be just and reasonable.” Section 201 of Title II • “Any unjust or unreasonable discrimination in charges or services is prohibited.” Section 202 of Title II