A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum: Upping the Ante of Internet Access

Recent news of the Net Neutrality controversy and this looming agreement between Google and Verizon that is brewing or in the opinion of some, has already brewed--there is only a matter of time before
some think the tea is poured into the cup--I flinch.

In a nutshell, it appears people who do not have money to purchase special access to the internet will lose out by being marginalized and relegated to the slow lane. That lane will likely be in a constant state of congestion. You might liken it to the state of the inner cities and blighted neighborhoods that don't have the buying power to develop and look out for their communities as those in more affluent areas having solid tax bases. This analogy may seem like a stretch. But if you think about it, maybe not.

In the alternative, and what may be an even greater loss is its likelihood of spawning independent outgrowths or successionist networks i.e.,where those with special privileges could sublet or otherwise assign their access to those less flush. As a result, internet geeks will have more than enough incentive to create secret superhighways for use by those shut out from the predominant networks by their inability to pay for greater rates of speed. Also factor in their motivation to develop and acquire related niceties that would keep them in the game fair and square.

Either way, the stage is being set for the stripping away of modern conveniences of free and rapid access to the net by all regardless of financial prowess and social standing.

I love surfing the net unfettered by stalls and other inconveniences. I can only imagine the impact having to pay a premium for speedy service will have. Especially if that access is based on tiers of graduated income scales and the ability to pay.