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Net Neutrality

I can see both sides of this issue. I won’t comment publicly but will paste this interesting tidbit from savetheinternet.com:

Congress is pushing a law that would abandon the Internet’s First Amendment — a principle called Network Neutrality that prevents companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast from deciding which Web sites work best for you — based on what site pays them the most. If the public doesn’t speak up now, our elected officials will cave to a multi-million dollar lobbying campaign.

For the record I wasn’t aware the internet had a first amendment (nor any amendments… or a constitution with which to amend) so seriously read up on this issue before forming an opinion. Both sides are obviously putting a little spin on things.

More interesting things from the (savetheinternet.org) FAQ.

  • In 2004, North Carolina ISP Madison River blocked their DSL customers from using any rival Web-based phone service.
  • In 2005, Canada’s telephone giant Telus blocked customers from visiting a Web site sympathetic to the Telecommunications Workers Union during a labor dispute.
  • Shaw, a big Canadian cable TV company, is charging an extra $10 a month to subscribers in order to “enhance” competing Internet telephone services.
  • In April, Time Warner’s AOL blocked all emails that mentioned www.dearaol.com — an advocacy campaign opposing the company’s pay-to-send e-mail scheme.

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