Net Neutrality, Bandwidth, Speed, Physics, Greed?

In summary, ISP telecom companies are claiming they need to slow down internet speed and charge more for premium services due to the high demand for HD streaming and online gaming. They argue that their infrastructure has limited capacity and they need to install more equipment to meet the demand. However, some believe this is just an excuse for profit-taking. As a physicist, the issue can be seen in terms of EM energy and entropy, where the ISP's infrastructure has a finite capacity and increasing demand requires more hardware to be installed. While there may be concerns about unfair pricing, ultimately it is a business decision and not directly related to net neutrality.
  • #1
Tom Minogue Hastings
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Net Neutrality is being overturned as ISP telecoms claim they need to throttle bandwidth and speed as too many customers want to stream HD videos and play HD online games. EM waves are fast and unlimited, so is Tiered Premium Billing absurd? ISP telecom expenses include transmitters, receivers, routers, cables, transformers. Do they really need more equipment to give users more bandwidth and speed? Is their claim of limited capacity an excuse for monopoly profit-taking? No need to talk politics; I'm asking: How does a physicist see this telecom claim in terms of EM energy and entropy, so a student might understand?
 
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  • #2
Whatever infrastructure an ISP has installed, it's capacity is not unlimited.
If there is increased demand for bandwidth, they have to install more hardware if they wish to meet that demand.
It's fair enough to argue that some ISP may be asking unreasonable prices for higher capacity users,
but then again, in most cases the user has a choice of providers, and the ISP doesn't want price themselves out of the market.
I don't see how that's anything to do with net neutrality though, it's just a business decision.
Obviously they want to retain their market share, but by making their service unprofitable for them to operate.
 
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  • #3
With rootone's answer, thread is closed.
 
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Related to Net Neutrality, Bandwidth, Speed, Physics, Greed?

What is net neutrality and why is it important?

Net neutrality is the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally, without discrimination or preference based on content, platform, or user. It ensures that all users have equal access to the same information and services online. It is important because it promotes a free and open internet, allowing for innovation, competition, and freedom of expression.

How does bandwidth affect internet speed?

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network at a given time. The higher the bandwidth, the more data can be transmitted, resulting in faster internet speeds. However, other factors such as network congestion and the quality of the connection also play a role in determining internet speed.

What role does physics play in internet speed?

The speed of an internet connection is limited by the laws of physics, specifically the speed of light. The further the data has to travel, the longer it takes to reach its destination. This is why a user's physical location can affect their internet speed, as well as the quality and type of cables and equipment used to transmit data.

How does greed factor into issues surrounding net neutrality?

Greed can play a role in net neutrality when internet service providers (ISPs) prioritize certain content or charge extra fees for faster access. This can create an uneven playing field and limit competition and innovation, as smaller companies may not be able to afford the fees. It can also lead to a lack of consumer choice and higher prices for internet services.

How can consumers protect their rights and support net neutrality?

Consumers can support net neutrality by staying informed about the issue and advocating for it through petitions, contacting their representatives, and using their purchasing power to support ISPs that uphold net neutrality principles. They can also use virtual private networks (VPNs) and other tools to protect their online privacy and access content without interference from ISPs.

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