If you thought that you had signed up for an unlimited internet connection and so you could download all you wanted,you could soon be in for a shock.The US Justice Department has said Internet Service Providers (ISP's) should be allowed to charge for priority traffic, which in effect would allow a two-tier internet system to be put in place.The agency said that it was 'opposed to network neutrality,' the idea that all data on the net is treated equally.The agency submitted its comments to the Federal Communications Commission, which is investigating net access.
Part of the problem can be traced to the rapid growth of online videos,music movies and games.Some people are simply using it too much.These internet hogs download excessively slowing down the internet for other users.
Comcast is the first off the block and it has started suspending services to those who are using too much bandwidth.So if you thought you had unlimited service you have another guess coming.
Cable companies argue that they have spent a huge $90 billion over the last few years to improve their networks.They are simply looking to recover their investments as fast as possible.In spite of the investments made hundreds of subscribers share a single internet connection.One high traffic user can slow down an entire neighborhood. Often unscrupulous neighbors may use up your capacity through unsecured wireless routers.But the biggest culprits are people running small businesses from home. These people usually set up small servers which can slow down everybody who shares that connection.
But Comcast is not willing to disclose how much usage will invite suspension.This is because it fears that all users will adjust their usage just below the maximum limit which will slow down the network further.
It is in this context that the comments of the US Justice Department assume significance.This would allow ISP's to charge for certain content.The idea is opposed by Google and Microsoft who have called for equal access to the net.However companies like AT&T and Verizon seem to favor the idea.
The Justice Department says that imposing net neutrality regulations would hinder development of the internet as ISP's would not upgrade networks, and that the entire burden of costly improvements would be shifted on to the average consumer rather than the person who uses it the most.
But this stance is contrary to most of the internet community who believe that such a two-tier system would allow ISP's to become the gatekeepers to the web's content.It is also feared that institutions such as universities and charities will suffer in such a scenario.
It is not yet a crisis and it is hoped that investments in network capacity, switching over to fiber-optic technology and digital -only programming will ensure that bandwidth is not a problem in the future.
Chopping up the web into two may not be a good idea.