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"One obvious potential problem with switching from an "open Internet" approach to this "charge by app" approach to data is just how much power it gives the esta

"One obvious potential problem with switching from an "open Internet" approach to this "charge by app" approach to data is just how much power it gives the established players. Say some new video on demand service comes along; it needs plenty of bandwidth, but it can't afford to strike a deal with carriers so that its app bandwidth is free to users. How many users will even try it out when an app from Hulu or Netflix is free (to them) to use, while accessing the startup will cost them money?" This is exactly why such a plan would be short-sighted on the part of the carriers. "Hey, people love the internet. How about we sell them access, and simultaneously start choking the life out of it?" Carriers already proved they can't compete with the marketplace to make operating systems and apps; now they're considering a plan that effectively picks winners from that marketplace? Guess what - it will suck compared to true competition. Sell us access and stay the heck out of the way. That's what your customers want, and it will be more profitable for you in the end.

doki_pen 16y ago
How will it be more profitable in the end? If verizon can't differentiate themselves, they will find themselves in a more and more competitive market, driving prices down. I hate this idea, and I think it's wrong for us to allow it to happen, but it's the right move for the carriers.
- jokermatt999 16y ago
  Wouldn't an idea like pricing per-site only work if all the carriers did it? I know that ISPs are not the most...competitive of markets, but it seems like this would be a risky leap to make unless it was guaranteed that their competitors would make the same move.
  - orangecat 16y ago
    Wouldn't an idea like pricing per-site only work if all the carriers did it? Yes, and that doesn't seem to be a problem. Look at the near-simultaneous doubling of text messaging charges from all carriers a few years ago.
- billybob 16y ago
  Yes, it sucks to sell a commodity. But if Verizon cripples their internet, someone will sell unrestricted access, and they will win. As long as their IS competition, I think it will keep driving customers toward open access and thwarting carriers' attempts to control it.
- billybob 16y ago
  Yes, it sucks to sell a commodity. But if Verizon cripples their internet, someone will sell unrestricted access, and they will win. Furthermore, why do you assume that the way for them to differentiate themselves is by throttling content? How about "we provide great customer service" or "we give really fast access" or "we help you set up VOIP and other services that give you reasons to want to buy more bandwidth?" Why can't they differentiate themselves by NOT sucking?

doki_pen 16y ago

How will it be more profitable in the end? If verizon can't differentiate themselves, they will find themselves in a more and more competitive market, driving prices down. I hate this idea, and I think it's wrong for us to allow it to happen, but it's the right move for the carriers.

jokermatt999 16y ago
Wouldn't an idea like pricing per-site only work if all the carriers did it? I know that ISPs are not the most...competitive of markets, but it seems like this would be a risky leap to make unless it was guaranteed that their competitors would make the same move.
- orangecat 16y ago
  Wouldn't an idea like pricing per-site only work if all the carriers did it? Yes, and that doesn't seem to be a problem. Look at the near-simultaneous doubling of text messaging charges from all carriers a few years ago.
billybob 16y ago
Yes, it sucks to sell a commodity. But if Verizon cripples their internet, someone will sell unrestricted access, and they will win. As long as their IS competition, I think it will keep driving customers toward open access and thwarting carriers' attempts to control it.
billybob 16y ago
Yes, it sucks to sell a commodity. But if Verizon cripples their internet, someone will sell unrestricted access, and they will win. Furthermore, why do you assume that the way for them to differentiate themselves is by throttling content? How about "we provide great customer service" or "we give really fast access" or "we help you set up VOIP and other services that give you reasons to want to buy more bandwidth?" Why can't they differentiate themselves by NOT sucking?