Best explanation of net neutrality I've ever seen

[GK4Herd]

I don't know why, but I've always struggled with the net neutrality discussions. I just couldn't fully get my head around it. This web page explained it to me in about 30 seconds. I think I get it now...I think...


http://www.theopeninter.net

 

[wisemaniac]

GK, given some of the other stuff you've posted that requires a higher level of noodle capability, how have you been confused on net neutrality? I promise I'm not making fun of you, I just didn't think this stuff was that confusing.

 

[GK4Herd]

GK, given some of the other stuff you've posted that requires a higher level of noodle capability, how have you been confused on net neutrality? I promise I'm not making fun of you, I just didn't think this stuff was that confusing.

Lol...no offense taken. I guess I've just over complicated the issue. I don't think its a matter of not being capable of understanding it as much as me thinking that it was more complicated than it actually is.

 

[GK4Herd]

On a side note I'm a little miffed at Suddenlink right now. I have the package...cable, Internet, phone...and pay about $185 a month. I called them a few months ago because of an internet outage (which was just a downed line in the area), and was told that my modem was outdated and they would send me a new one free of charge. They said that it would increase my internet speed. I will occasionally have some buffering when I watch Netflix (not often), so I made the service person tell me two or three times that there were absolutely no cost either one time or monthly. She assured me.

Now a few months have gone by since the change and I get the following email from Suddenlink...

Dear valued customer,

Your Internet account recently exceeded the monthly data plan included with your current service. Because this is the first time your account has exceeded its data plan, you will not be charged. As demand for Internet content continues to grow, it may be time to update your plan.

You can check your usage by going to suddenlink.net and logging into My Account or calling 877-476-9210.

Note: We do not charge for extra usage until an account has exceeded its data plan more than twice.



Now this just p***es me off. I have no clue if the upgrade led to the data cap or the ability to measure it or not, but I'm convinced they are related. I haven't changed my usage habits up to this point and have never received this notice before. We do zero gaming in our household. Basically we just watch Netflix. If my bill goes up one penny I'm considering canceling all of my Suddenlink service. I have a million stations and I only watch a few of them. I'm basically paying for all of these channels so I can watch Netflix and Marshall sporting events.

What are the alternatives in my area (Ona) for Internet service?

 

[-CarlHungus-]

We have Comcast Internet - we "cut the cord" from cable a year ago.

However, we often exceed our 300 gig/month data cap via Netflix, sling TV, Amazon, YouTube, etc.

Comcast is awful to deal with but they are our only option where we live (a mid size city in SEC country). A few blocks down ATt u verse (no data caps) is available but not yet on our block.

 

[GK4Herd]

We have Comcast Internet - we "cut the cord" from cable a year ago.

However, we often exceed our 300 gig/month data cap via Netflix, sling TV, Amazon, YouTube, etc.

Comcast is awful to deal with but they are our only option where we live (a mid size city in SEC country). A few blocks down ATt u verse (no data caps) is available but not yet on our block.

Lack of competition is the problem. It's like all utilities. Get upset with AEP or American Water? Well...there's always generators and the creek.

 

[herdfan06]

Lack of competition is the problem. It's like all utilities. Get upset with AEP or American Water? Well...there's always generators and the creek.

Too bad you are not able to choose your own electric provider.

 

[Herd Fever]

Wait you guys have a data cap for Internet usage.....That's BS

 

[raleighherdfan]

This link actually is a misguiding in what it claims net neutrality is/was. It's been discussed on here before. This legislation had nothing to do with keeping "internet open access".

 

[GK4Herd]

This link actually is a misguiding in what it claims net neutrality is/was. It's been discussed on here before. This legislation had nothing to do with keeping "internet open access".

Explain if you don't mind. You might hit on the root of why I have a hard time with the concept.

 

[Herd Fever]

I have no data cap here in NY, if we just want faster Internet service. We just pay more for it.

 

[raleighherdfan]

I am on mobile and could write much more but will type what I can.

NN was essentially legislation that insured the monopoly status of ISPs and streaming content sellers, streamers (Netflix, Google, etc); while also empowering the FCC greater regulating power over it all.

Of course it played on the frustrations of misinformed consumers over ISP services, implying that somehow, ISP service would become worse and more expensive if the NN regulation was not enacted. It was a total farce IMO as price for service will only continue to go up with reduced options for improving service customers now receive.

Although ISPs openly fought against such regulation that restricts their ability to charge higher rates to (Netflix) those who require more bandwidth and data usage for streaming services (something IMO they should be allowed to do for countless reasons) in the end they won too. This virtually locks out competition on their side of the business as well.

Mark Cuban said it best. "NN was about big companies locking out little guys. The government was most obliged to do it because now they have more say so in how it's all divided up."