Google Takes Stance Against ISP Bandwith Throttling

Google has decided to throw its weight around when it comes to Net Neutrality; the search giant announced a plan to let end users see what their Internet Service Providers do with their bandwidth. What does this matter to you, the aforementioned end user? Inquire inside.

If you are confused about Net Neutrality, check out one of our articles from ’06. Three years later, the net is still neutral, though ISP’s are doing what they can to that away. Not only could ISP’s charge for access to particular websites, but after going to bed with the RIAA, they could simply shut off your ability to use p2p or bit torrent services all together. Google’s plan is to empower users to see exactly what their bandwidth is being used on, or as they put it:

“When an Internet application doesn’t work as expected or your connection seems flaky, how can you tell whether there is a problem caused by your broadband ISP (Internet service provider), the application, your PC (personal computer), or something else?” Cerf wrote in a blog post.

An open, unbiased Internet connection is vital to us in this communication age. Besides, if Comcast is allowed to decide which sites you are allowed to visit, how often do you think it will let you visit one that shines light on its sore spots?
[Reuters]
[Pic: Gaminrey]

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