Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

n2doc

(47,953 posts)
Thu Apr 3, 2014, 12:18 PM Apr 2014

EU 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/

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
EU passes net neutrality law, votes to end throttling, site blocking (Original Post) n2doc Apr 2014 OP
They fix a lot of things that we leave broken. One other word : trains. GoneFishin Apr 2014 #1
So will they eventually be able to offer satellite internet access... to US customers? villager Apr 2014 #2
Seriously, not cynically - I wonder if the renegotiation of the existing "trade" agreement djean111 Apr 2014 #3
"Couldn't achieve"? enlightenment Apr 2014 #4
Or "Actively worked against" n/t n2doc Apr 2014 #5
That too. n/t enlightenment Apr 2014 #7
THIS could have a lot to do with THAT. bvar22 Apr 2014 #8
Of course they did. enlightenment Apr 2014 #9
so, we will not be able to compete with them in a very short time librechik Apr 2014 #6

GoneFishin

(5,217 posts)
1. They fix a lot of things that we leave broken. One other word : trains.
Thu Apr 3, 2014, 12:21 PM
Apr 2014

Oh Yeah. Also health care, and solar power.

 

villager

(26,001 posts)
2. So will they eventually be able to offer satellite internet access... to US customers?
Thu Apr 3, 2014, 12:24 PM
Apr 2014

That would be... helpful....

 

djean111

(14,255 posts)
3. Seriously, not cynically - I wonder if the renegotiation of the existing "trade" agreement
Thu Apr 3, 2014, 12:30 PM
Apr 2014

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)
4. "Couldn't achieve"?
Thu Apr 3, 2014, 12:57 PM
Apr 2014

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.

librechik

(30,663 posts)
6. so, we will not be able to compete with them in a very short time
Thu Apr 3, 2014, 01:28 PM
Apr 2014

too bad our billionaires have so much money that they don't care about competition. Just squeezing their cash tighter and tighter.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»EU passes net neutrality ...