If you’re at all interested in technology, you’ve probably heard a lot of buzz lately about “net neutrality.” Net neutrality is the principle that, basically, all content on the internet is equal. With a “neutral” net, people use the internet in any lawful way they like without anyone judging what they should or shouldn’t be able to do.

In October, the recently appointment chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Julius Genachowski, released a notice in support of net neutrality.  Some of his recommendations stated that broadband internet service providers could not

• Prevent users from sending or receiving any legal content over the Internet.
• Prevent users from connecting any legal devices to the network.

This sounds pretty reasonable, doesn’t it? Why do telecom companies and some lawmakers object? Telecom giants, such as A T & T and Comcast, claim that increased demand for bandwidth could lead to reduced service for customers, and they need the authority to manage the content that comes and goes through their networks. Some politicians, such as John McCain, see the proposed policy as an example of unnecessary government interference in business.

So what does net neutrality have to do with educators? As classrooms become more connected and the web becomes more interactive, the options for using web-based resources, such as multimedia, simulations, and digital production, for teaching and learning are growing exponentially. If your students use Skype, upload original videos to YouTube, or download educational content, they could be contributing to the overloading of networks, according to the telecom companies.

Now, it does seem fair that people who use more bandwidth should pay more for it. If I never stream movies from Netflix or play online games, then I don’t think I should be paying the same for my broadband connection as someone who spends every evening playing World of Warcraft with friends all over the world. So paying more for more use doesn’t seem unreasonable to me.

On the other hand, as telecom companies begin to produce their own content, many fear that they will set limits that promote their own resources and put their competitors at a disadvantage. This kind of management would not be based on what is fair and equitable for users, but what would put the most money in the pocket of the internet service/content provider.

To read more about this issue, go to openinternet.gov and join in a discussion about net neutrality. The FCC is accepting public comments on its proposed policy until the middle of January.

Some other interesting links on the topic

An excellent video that shows the ways in which individuals and organizations use the internet in constructive and entertaining ways and presents arguments for keeping the internet content neutral.

School Librarians Weigh In on Net Neutrality

Telecom Companies Face Net Neutrality Defeat

Remarks Of Commissioner Michael J. Copps at the Fcc Workshop On
Speech, Democracy And The Open Internet, December 15, 2009