Western Michigan University Communication Professor Rick Gershon says the idea of "net neutrality" has been the basic rule governing the Internet for the last 20 years. The Federal Communications Commission issued a ruling last week seen as a victory for "net neutrality."
Gershon, who is co-director of Telecommunication and Information Management Program told WMUK's Gordon Evans that the basic idea behind net neutrality is that all Internet content should be treated equally, regardless of its origin. But Gershon says enhanced services such as streaming video and wireless devices have made the rules more complicated.
The FCC ruling says broadband access is more like telephone service or other public utilities. Gershon says it's tough for regulations to keep pace with the changing technology of digital communication. He says the Internet has largely been "the wild west" when it comes to regulation. But Gershon says more government action may be needed to address serious congestion issues.
Gershon says customers want a robust Internet. He says web entrepreneurship has been helped by a neutral playing field. But Gershon says there should also be a recognition that the service isn't free.
Looking ahead, Gershon says he expects more debate on the issue on "net neutrality." He says there will continue to be concerns about equal access and opportunity. Gershon says if there a good value for their service, they will likely be winning to pay for some "extras" in their Internet service.
