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subverteron FCC weakens net neutrality rule in a prelude to larger rollbacks

I think it's because it removes an entire vector that these companies can compete on. They can compete on price, support, coverage, etc. – but service-wise, they all have to be the same. They can't differentiate themselves, which is important to entice entrepreneurs to get into the business.

subverteron FCC weakens net neutrality rule in a prelude to larger rollbacks

They wouldn't be able to compete without offering a service that differentiates them from the competition in a way that appeals to consumers. "Secret network caps and slowdowns" doesn't sound very appealing, so why assume they'd all take that route?

I think it's more realistic to assume they'd differentiate through better service, faster speeds, higher/no caps, etc. That's what we want and are willing to pay for.

subverteron FCC weakens net neutrality rule in a prelude to larger rollbacks

I think you're making an assumption that shouldn't be assumed: that these smaller providers won't voluntarily be transparent and open. If I were competing against the likes of AT&T and Comcast, I'd use that as a competitive advantage! They're trying to differentiate themselves from the incumbents, not be exactly the same.

But even if they weren't open and transparent, wouldn't technologists like ourselves push to find the limits and publish them online? We can hold them accountable just as well without piling on more regulation.

subverteron FCC weakens net neutrality rule in a prelude to larger rollbacks

This raises the limit on the number of subscribers a provider can have before regulation kicks in. In other words, a larger number of smaller providers have one less regulation to worry about.

Isn't more competition among providers what we want? Shouldn't we be doing everything we can – even if it's saving 6.8 hours per year in regulatory compliance – to help these smaller guys be able to take on these horrible behemoths like AT&T and Comcast?

subverteron [dead]

True. The amount of regulation in broadband, cable, etc. makes it really tough for new entrants in the market.

Still, more regulation to fix the problems caused by regulation in the first place? No thanks.

subverteron [dead]

Let me know where to submit my invoice so I can get paid!

Seriously though, I'd much rather be accused of being pro market than pro government meddling.