Throttling of websites and online services might help customers, FCC says | Ars Technica

Throttling of websites and online services might help customers, FCC says | Ars Technica: "The NPRM also suggests that customers are being harmed by the ban on ISPs charging websites and other online services for faster access to consumers. "Is there a risk that banning paid prioritization suppresses pro-competitive activity?" the NPRM asks. "For example, could allowing paid prioritization give Internet service providers a supplemental revenue stream that would enable them to offer lower-priced broadband Internet access service to end-users?"

 The NPRM asks whether paid prioritization could "enable certain critical information, such as consumers’ health care vital signs that are being monitored remotely, to be transmitted more efficiently or reliably." But the document fails to mention that the existing rules have an exception that lets ISPs sell isolated network capacity for telemedicine services.

 The FCC also asks whether it should keep rules that require ISPs to make greater disclosures about hidden fees and data caps. The FCC seems to think the broadband market is so competitive that this isn't necessary. "We seek comment on whether the additional reporting obligations from that rule remains necessary in today’s competitive broadband marketplace," the NPRM says. Pai has already exempted ISPs with 250,000 or fewer subscribers from these rules.

 An FCC official acknowledged that it's highly likely the commission will be sued after it makes changes to net neutrality rules, but noted that courts have generally deferred to the FCC on whether Internet providers should or should not be classified as common carriers." 'via Blog this'