The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reportedly recorded three million public comments on its planned new Internet traffic, or ‘net neutrality’ policies, as the deadline approaches.
Mainly started to assess how internet service providers (ISP) manage traffic flow over their networks, the majority of latest comments urged the Federal agency to nix such special deals called paid prioritization.
Driven by advocacy campaigns and public interest in the subject, the proposal would prohibit the broadband providers to block or slow down websites, while enable them to charge content providers for prioritised speed and reliability.
The latest net neutrality submissions have surpassed the FCC’s earlier more than two million comments on its plan to rest media ownership regulations in 2003.
Content firm Netflix executive vice president David Cohen said: "In our latest comments, we also reiterate our support for the FCC’s tentative conclusion to exclude traffic exchange arrangements from the scope of the Open Internet rules.
"Reclassifying services that for over a decade have been lightly regulated…is also factually unsupported and likely legally invalid.
"The bottom line is that there is essentially no upside gained by reclassification — there is only substantial risk of harm."
FCC’s latest proposal is being criticised by several firms and organisations including more than 30 network technology and equipment manufacturers; 14 free-market advocates; Alcatel-Lucent; Cisco; Communications Workers of America; Consumer Electronics Association; NAACP; National Grange; and US Distance Learning Association; and the National Urban League.
CTIA – The Wireless Association said in its comments: "Mobile is different than fixed; mobile providers need more flexibility to manage their networks and continue to develop innovative product offerings.
"Application of the same rules to fixed and mobile platforms would only inhibit innovation and remove consumer choice from the mobile market."
