In the News: Network Neutrality
The concept of network neutrality is that the web should be completely open—that ISPs and governments should make no restrictions on content, sites, platforms, or the kinds of equipment that may be attached. Discussion of "net neutrality" seemed to take a hiatus in 2007, but it returned to the forefront yesterday with Google and Verizon's announcement of a joint proposal for regulation establishing network neutrality. It’s big news right now. In addition to the proposal itself, Google has a somewhat explanatory post on its Public Policy Blog.
The proposal seemingly requires a very open and neutral Internet: (1) access to all legal content, (2) no bandwidth throttling, and (3) total transparency concerning services offered.
However, here are two noteworthy observations:
First, the proposal contained an exception for both wireless service and new/differentiated services. The only rule that would apply in these cases is transparency—for instance, a wireless Internet provider could block half of the Internet, and as long as it fully disclosed that fact, it would be acting within the law.
Second, as recently as two years ago, both companies were aggressively opposing each other in FCC filings. But now they’ve come to a compromise, one that both must see as beneficial. Either the Internet has changed or, perhaps, the role Google and Verizon see themselves playing in the wider Internet landscape has.
On account of these two ideas, this new proposal has sparked quite a bit of debate, both on the web and internally here at Medallia.
As a company delivering content over the Internet, Medallia has an obvious interest in how the flow of information is regulated. But as a company delivering a premium product paired with innovative new services, we tend to see both sides of this argument and know that our products will continue helping our customers achieve greater customer satisfaction and improved business results in whatever new regulatory environment arises.
We're watching this closely, with great interest.
Posted by Bradford Lyman
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