Battle lines draws over net neutrality

The graphic above show the three sides to net neutrality. To find out more, click on this.


Supporters of net neutrality want new laws to pass prohibiting Internet Service Providers from blocking or degrading traffic from their competitor's networks. If internet service providers allow preferential treatment to certain Web traffic, small broadband providers will suffer. Pac-West, an independent telecom provider, in Stockton, California fears that lack of laws on net neutrality will give large broadband providers the edge to block internet traffic from smaller providers.

Broadband providers like AT&T and BellSouth oppose net neutrality. These providers want to charge e-commerce companies fees in order to get the preferential treatment for their sites. Under AT&T and BellSouths' new business plan, fees that would be charged to e-commerce companies would cover the costs to broadband providers.