19-03-2014, 01:09 PM
next AND NET NEUTRALITY
NEXT GENERATION NETWORKS.ppt (Size: 253 KB / Downloads: 18)
Network Neutrality: the origins
PSTN environment: non-discriminatory treatment of traffic = common carrier
Internet – viewed as open, globally distributed network providing non-discriminatory access
Growth of Internet:
1991 WWW developed
1995 5 million users
2005 1 billion users
2011 2.3 billion users
Growth of traffic
Excess demand: the growth of content on the Internet
Response to limited capacity – discrimination?
Vertical integration of ISPs
Defining Network Neutrality
No discrimination:
Network operators should treat all traffic equally
Sites should not be blocked, traffic should not be slowed down, no restriction on modes of communication and on attaching equipment to networks;
No preference for “own” content;
Consumers should be able to access content of their choice;
Freedom of expression;
Widening the definition (1)
Government restrictions (obstacles to access; limits on content; restrictions on online activities);
Concern about fundamental principles;
“Arab Spring”;
OECD Principles for Internet Policy-Making
- The Internet’s openness to new devices, applications and services has played an important role in its success in fostering innovation, creativity and economic growth.
- Maintaining technology neutrality and appropriate quality for all Internet services is also important to ensure an open and dynamic Internet environment. Provision of open Internet access services is critical for the Internet economy.
Non-discrimination
Distinguish between traffic management for reasons of congestion or priority and traffic shaping for discriminatory reasons
Legitimate traffic shaping - need to manage traffic
Quality of service
Is there a distinction between wired and wireless internet networks (access)
However, any deviations from non-discrimination should be transparent, relevant and proportionate to technical requirements
Open Internet Important for economy and freedom of expression
Principles should apply nationally and internationally
Some have questioned initiatives such as SOPA/ACTA: impact on free speech & fundamental rights – does this link to network neutrality?
Issue of ISP liability is important in context of network neutrality
Some (mostly European incumbents) have stated they would like to charge Internet content providers for access to customers in order to expand next generation fixed and wireless network investment. This would restrict access to content.
US: Private sector initiatives
Dec. 2006 AT&T/BellSouth – pledge to maintain a fair and neutral policy toward Internet packet routing, applying no privileges based on packets' origin, content, or destination;
August 2010 Verizon-Google agreement on network neutrality;
SEC told AT&T and other telecoms that they must include a resolution supporting wireless net neutrality in annual shareholder ballots;
CONCLUSIONS
Regulatory principles (not necessarily a law) important to ensure that stakeholders are aware of rules of the game – ARCEP example;
Strong competition important;
Ability of consumers to change service provider rapidly important (reduce switching costs);
Transparency by network operators/ISPs crucial;
Traffic prioritisation necessary (not all traffic is equal) but needs to take into account principles;
Need for quality of service indicators;
Separate network from services?