Gnomedex Update: Net Neutrality
Jun 30th, 2006 | By James Lewin | Category: General, Podcasting EventsAt Gnomedex 2006, Werner Vogels, CTO of Amazon.com, discussed the importance of net neutrality.
First he discussed Powell’s Internet Freedoms:
- Freedom to Access Content
- Freedom to Use Application
- Freedom to Attach Personal Devices
- Freedom to Obtain Service Plan Information
“The phone and cable companies will fundamentally alter the Internet in America unless Congress acts to stop them.,” warned Vogels. “They have the market power, and regulatory permission to restrict American consumers‚Äô access to broadband Internet content, including music and movies, and have announced their plans to do so.”
In addition to emphasizing the importance of equal access to Web services and content, Vogel said that the issue is especially important because of a lack of competition among broadband suppliers.”There is no competition for the last mile,” said Vogel.
Vogel emphasized the idea that the reason that Amazon would not have had its success without fair access to the Internet. Because of this, he says that the company has a responsibility to ensure continued equal access.
