#11 Edward,
If net neutrality is “hypothetical”, then why are mobile devices locked down tight as drums? Can’t change carriers, can’t run applications I want to, can’t run wi-fi, can’t get competitive pricing plans.
That is because the few mobile carriers that survive are generally uninterested in competition, free markets or allowing application providers to monetize their platforms.
Net neutrality exists, barely, because the fcc came down on the gse’s (the telcos) when they tried to ban wireless routers, and vpn use, and voip telephone services. If the fcc hadn’t done that we’d never have had google or skype or digg or facebook.
If it were up to the telcos, basically a reformulated Ma Bell, we would most likely have the internet equivalent of cable tv, with a few approved content providers.
And there would have been no internet boom. How sad would that be?
