General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsEU passes net neutrality law, votes to end throttling, site blocking
NEW YORK Finally, the Europeans did something even their mighty friend, the United States, couldn't achieve.
Members of the European Parliament on Thursday voted on sweeping changes to the 28 member state bloc's internet and mobile laws, which will see fairer treatment to end-users and businesses alike by treating all Internet traffic equally regardless of its content or provider.
That would mean Internet providers cannot throttle a user streaming Netflix content because of the high-bandwidth costs, or mobile carriers blocking access to Skype because it hurts voice, calling, and text-messaging revenue.
The legislation, which does not differentiate between cellular and landline networks, means both fixed-line and on-the-go mobile users will benefit from the law, at a time when European cell providers are ramping up investment spending in order to account for the massive spike in data consumption.
The package includes amendments that define and protect net neutrality.
more
http://www.zdnet.com/eu-net-neutrality-passes-vote-7000027998/
GoneFishin
(5,217 posts)Oh Yeah. Also health care, and solar power.
villager
(26,001 posts)That would be... helpful....
djean111
(14,255 posts)between us and the EU will mean that some giant telecommunications firm that wants to expand its profits can override this new legislation. It seems to me, now, that all laws are just written in the sand, waiting to be washed away by money.
And yes - internet, transportation, health care for all - what exactly are we NUMBER ONE at, besides the military? Such a waste of money, sadly.
enlightenment
(8,830 posts)How about "won't really try", instead.
Couldn't implies that they can't. There is no evidence that the FCC can't achieve these goals - only that they are dragging their feet, as usual.
n2doc
(47,953 posts)enlightenment
(8,830 posts)bvar22
(39,909 posts)http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024521140
Of course, the Republicans made him do it.
enlightenment
(8,830 posts)librechik
(30,663 posts)too bad our billionaires have so much money that they don't care about competition. Just squeezing their cash tighter and tighter.