Network Neutrality

Lately I've been seeing some links online regarding this issue called "Net Neutrality." In an effort to make sure that all of my readers are informed (and since it involves all of us who use the internet) I thought I'd point it out to people if they haven't heard of it already.

Now, I'm not sure if I really understand the issue, but here's what I've gathers of the gist of it. Basically, non-neutrality would entail that the ISP could decide who and what gets the best and most bandwidth. They could choose to give certain sites better quality, while pushing others to the backburner. Neutrality would basically leave things as they are.

A couple pros and cons that I can see right off:

Pro-neutrality pros - The flexibility and freedom of the internet is protected. Sites like YouTube, blogger, myspace, and P2P servers are protected.

Pro-neutrality cons - If bandwidth gets tight, people could "hog" all the bandwidth with streaming and P2P programs. You could also have to start paying per bandwidth amount, rather than per month. Consumer prices will increase because of the increase demand of bandwidth.

Anti-neutrality pros - ISPs can better allow for certain streaming of voice and video files, giving you a better experience. There would be tiered pricing by ISPs, allowing you to only pay for what you want.

Anti-neutrality con - Obviously, the reason that certain ISPs would allow premium bandwidth to certain companies and site would be because they would pay the ISPs. Since in the conceivable future everything will be coming to us through the internet (cable, phone line, etc) this could mean that you can only use certain service providers, creating geographic monopolies, which are bad for consumers. Also, sites that focus on freedom and sharing of information are going to be at a disadvantage (sites like YouTube, especially).

For more information, go here and try to figure it out for yourself. And if I've figured this wrong, please let me know. This seems to be a pretty important issue, potentially changing the future of the internet, which is going to get even more important than it already is, I think. If that's possible. Anyways, here are the websites for the various sides For Neutrality and Non-neutrality.