Two weeks ago we shared with you A2IM’s filing with FCC on Net Neutrality where we noted that an open Internet with equal access for all is essential for small and medium sized creators like A2IM’s music label members for both promotion and monetization.
Last Thursday, May 15th,The Federal communications commission (“FCC”) voted to adopt Chairman Tom Wheeler‘s proposal for an open Internet, triggering a 120 days period of comment on how the new rules should work. FCC commissioner Wheeler said this vote will not question “whether or not there will be an open Internet, but how to assure an open Internet.”Wheeler said the FCC is dedicated to creating a level playing field for both consumers and Internet providers, but it has to be fair to all. “The prospect of a gatekeeper choosing winners and losers on the Internet is unacceptable,” said Wheeler. commissioner Wheelers next comment concerns A2IM, “Wheeler said that while there may be opportunities for paid prioritization on the web in some cases, the FCC will never allow a situation where consumers do not get the level of service they paid for and were promised.”
The last comment by commissioner Wheeler refers to Internet service providers like Comcast charging Internet services like Netflix to provide a faster better Internet route for Netflix’s to reach its customers. We believe this will result two Internets, a high speed Internet for some and a slower Internet for others, maybe for the content of small and medium sized creators like A2IM’s members. In addition there is an additional fear of Netflix passing these extra Internet costs back to the creators providing Netflix programming and to consumers, thus affecting creator company profit margins. FCC commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, one of the three Democrats, is focused on our concerns. Rosenworcel called the Internet a “modern town square,” …. “We cannot have a two-tier Internet with fast lanes for the privileged that leave the rest of us to follow,” she said.
A2IM will participate in these Net Neutrality debates in the coming days.
