Net Neutrality? Verizon, AT&T and Comcast Add Their Neutral Advice: [2nd Dec 2010]

It has been reported by Bloomberg news that AT&T have met with the FCC more than any other provider regarding the changes to net neutrality rules. It is thought that the several meetings between AT&T's Jim Cicconi and the FCC could lead to undue influence being exerted by the provider. Verizon have also been pushing for rules which will suit them and favor a "sunset" clause which will reset the regulations after two years. Verizon appear to be attempting to derail the talks altogether.


The FCC may be about to introduce a new proposal to charge higher prices for those people who use the Internet for watching videos or for downloading files. It is hoped that the plan to charge high usage Internet downloaders more than others will help the FCC win support from providers for their net neutrality legislation. The suggestion is that it would be OK to ration the Internet in an attempt to maintain openness.


Level 3 has accused Comcast of violating the tenants of net neutrality by seeking an additional payment from Level 3 for delivery of content from its network to Comcast subscribers. Level 3 has recently signed up to be the primary deliverer of content for Netflix. Comcast says it is treating Level 3 in the same way that it does any other content delivery service. Level 3 released a statement saying that Comcast were charging the fee for the first time and that it would be charged for video content which is requested by Comcast customers through Level 3. They say it is abuse of the position which Comcast has as the nations largest cable provider. Level 3 have agreed to the terms under duress as they have no choice if they do no want to disrupt customer's viewing.


Amazon.com has forced the controversial site Wikileaks to stop using its servers to distribute their documents. The move was made after congress questioned Amazon about their link with the site. Wikileaks is now being hosted by Swedish host Banhof AB. Amazon has servers which can be rented by companies to meet surges in usage. This service is usually open to anyone who requires it. Amazon have not commented on their relationship with Wikileaks, but comments have been posted on Twitter which suggest that the general public is not happy about this move. It has been suggested that it goes against the first amendment right to free speech.


Verizon has revealed more details about the launch of its LTE wireless broadband service this week. The say they will be offering between 5 and 12 Mbps in 38 markets and in 60 airports across the country. This will start from December 5. The pricing model will be along fairly traditional lines, despite hints that it may be about to offer something new. Two plans will be on offer: either $50 per month for a 5GB allowance or $80 a month for 10GB. Both will charge $10 extra for each 10GB which the user goes over their allowance. A USB modem will be offered for those who want laptop connectivity. It had been assumed that Verizon was going to charge based on usage, but it is thought that these pricing models will change as the service is rolled out.


MetroPCS is offering a LTE broadband service whichisi coming in much cheaper than its competitors. The company is the first US carrier to sell a LTE handset and for just $55 per month customers can get unlimited voice messaging, 4G web access and for another $5 a month they can add unlimited 4G video. The $300 Samsung handset is fairly basic however and the average speeds have been reported as quite slow. It has been admitted by MetroPCS that their intended customer base is those who want access to social networks and online video and is more for people who use their smartphone for the Internet and not for much else.