Net Neutrality

President Obama has now stated that net neutrality will be the Internet policy of his administration, but this position is understandably creating waves … see: Breitbart Story. I have discerned that “net neutrality,” like much in the current government, is a term meant to mislead. It is far from being neutral … just like the “Affordable Care Act” is far from being affordable. I do understand that, as a conservative, I should be opposed to this attempt to control this unfettered industry … see: Huffington Post Story. But I do somehow, deep down, feel a need to establish a few reasonable rules of the road ... as there clearly have been some abuses.

But I am also chary about letting a deceitful administration, such as Obama’s, take the reins to create such rules. These control freaks have proven time and time again that they cannot be trusted not to play favorites and self-deal in such situations. I can imagine a favored Google or Microsoft getting even more customer unfriendly in such an environment.

Much of the current smaller Internet industry players are vehemently opposed to net neutrality because they rightfully fear that newer regulations and price controls will stifle innovative opportunities. Established big players see net neutrality as an opportunity to leverage their lofty positions and are therefore mostly in favor of it. But unfortunately the uncertainty of what is to happen has also frozen many companies from making expensive gambles. AT&T has indicated its unwillingness to expand its fiber-optic network until such time as the issue of net neutrality is resolved … see: CNBC Article.

But, in the end, I suppose that the thing that colors my opinion the most on this issue is how slowly the telephone industry evolved as an utility under full government regulation. Using this as a model, I can imagine that, had net neutrality been adopted twenty years ago, we still might all be saddled with dial-up Internet service.

Therefore, I think I must be counted as being in the opposition ... at least for the nonce.

Afterward: Here are more repercussions over Obama's taking sides in this net neutrality dust up: Etrade Story.

After Afterward: To see Ted Cruz's position on net neutrality read: Business Insider Story.