Two-tier internet?

[DeZmond]

Can't remember if we've covered this one before, but it's just been brought to my attention (again) in any case so it seems worth visiting.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6983375.stm

Essentially, it would appear that a large number of people want to split the internet into a high and low priority traffic service, rather than keeping all kinds of traffic equal. It's an interesting idea, I'll admit, but surely this must be wrong - everyone should be entitled to utilise a fair portion of bandwidth no matter what it's use?

Of course, as a gaming community this would definitely impact your usage - who's to say that gaming traffic won't get downgraded if such a system is implemented? On the flipside, maybe using FTP to get a game patch might be quicker?

I open this one to the floor... let's hear what you think folks.

 

[thatbloke]

The reason for this is ISPs locking in to existing hardware/technology rather than upgrading. ISPs already have an infrastructure in place which they have paid shedload of £'s (or $'s!) for; because technology is constantly changing at the moment if they were to upgrade their capacity (i.e. put the latest technology in) it would cost them just as much again to upgrade as they have already paid for their current infrastructure.

Charging extra for the new stuff is their way of getting the money back... Something i am adamantly against. How long before this two-tier internet becomes three tier? four? five?

Big load of bollocks.


I'm not saying ISPs should be forced to upgrade (at least straight away anyway) but they aren't going to do it unless they can charge more money for it. Hence, not only will you now be paying in your broadband subscription for higher bandwidth, but you will also be paying for higher priority.

This is also going to mean a much more complex system, potentially scaring off new users who won't have a clue what a "regular priority" broadband subscription means.

 

[Ki!ler-Mk1]

Well im not as good at a response than you TB but:

The comments put the agency at odds with companies such as Microsoft and Google, who have called for legislation to guarantee equal access to the net.

These guys have alot of power, im sure we have nothing to worry about.

 

[thatbloke]

Unfortunately though they have lots of power and influence they are not the ISPs and the government bodies that will ultimately make the decision

 

[Tetsuo_Shima]

Yeah, but maybe the government would like to consult the American dollar on this issue

 

[thatbloke]

Yeah, but maybe the government would like to consult the American dollar on this issue

The government will make more American dollars becuase the ISPs will be able to charge more for a "better service," which is the service we should all be receiving anyway without having to incur extra costs. Meaning more tax in the government's pocket.

 

[elDiablo]

Yeah, but maybe the government would like to consult the American dollar on this issue

Oh, I'm sure they will. Let's see, it will probably go like this:

"Hmmm, the ISPs want to charge people extra to have a decent speed internet, and the same amount they are paying now for slower internets. I mean, tubes! That means more tax to us! And more revenue to American corporations, thus strengthening the dollar! Awesome! Let's do it! Wait, it's unconstitutional and no one other than the phone companies want's it as it means everyone except the phone companies will have to pay more? Bah! Who cares?! It's more money for us!"

Etc.

And if America do it, the UK will follow suit, as our government seem to be sheeps to the US. Which means we get screwed too. And let's face it, America is so going to do it...

This makes me sad