[Chapter-delegates] ISOC Board next meeting -- NET NEUTRALITY

[Christian de Larrinaga]

Steve

I agree with this in particular the importance of developing the  
discussion on this issue. I think it is worth saying that the first  
thing that strikes me as important about this issue is that ISOC  
needs to say that it is IMPORTANT!  That can only make some sense to  
people if the reasoning as to why it is important is communicated.

One twist to this is that the US market conditions are peculiar to  
the US in particular the relationship with the local loop and recent  
consolidations with the ILIEC and long distance carriers which makes  
for a distinct competitive telecommunications environment.

This suggests to me that it could be very useful to try to hone up  
some global principles for network neutrality in an architectural way  
i.e., not positioned from positions of political or economic  
interest, but at least in part from lessons we are learning through  
experience and the empowerment of users at network end points as  
determinants of effective competition.


Christian
Christian de Larrinaga
Network Brokers Limited


On 16 May 2006, at 12:11, Steve Crocker wrote:

> As an outgoing board member I've been inclined to be reticent, but
> this particular issue resonates very strongly with me.  When the U.S.
> Supreme Court decided last year that major providers could control
> the content of what's delivered over their pipes, on the theory that
> competition existed, I came to the conclusion that this is indeed an
> important issue and one that is very appropriate for ISOC to support.
>
> I've said this in private but haven't spent much time pushing on it,
> and I applaud the discussion here.  I think this is a very good time
> to raise this, and I strongly support having a careful, informed
> discussion and consideration of what ISOC might usefully do in this
> area.
>
> Steve
>
> Steve Crocker
> steve at shinkuro.com
>
> Try Shinkuro's collaboration technology.  Visit www.shinkuro.com.  I
> am steve!shinkuro.com.
>
>
> On May 16, 2006, at 6:46 AM, Gene Gaines wrote:
>
>> ARE THERE ANY OBJECTIONS TO RECOMMENDING TO THE ISOC BOARD OF
>> TRUSTEES THAT A POSITION ON "INTERNET NETWORK NEUTRALITY"
>> BE GIVEN HIGH PRIORITY?
>>
>> Alan, thanks for the good statement from Wikipedia (below),
>> hope to hear more from you.
>>
>> Gene Gaines
>>
>>
>> On Tuesday, May 16, 2006, 3:09:24 AM, Alan wrote:
>>
>>> Gene,
>>
>>> On 15 May 2006, at 6:08 PM, Gene Gaines wrote:
>>>> I wish to propose an item to be discussed:  NETWORK NEUTRALITY.
>>
>>> I support this in terms of the article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
>>> Network_neutrality
>>
>>> Veni asked for steps, I suggest that a position statement in support
>>> of this principle will be a great start. Wikipedia mentions
>>> "Neutrality as law:
>>> Net neutrality has been instantiated into law in many countries,
>>> including the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Japan. In the United
>>> States, there are no laws that instantiate net neutrality as a
>>> telecommunications standard. Many advocates, however, have spoken
>>> loudly on its behalf. This, combined with worries over favoritism by
>>> telecoms, prompted Congress to begin hearings on the subject."
>>
>>>> For discussion... Perhaps organizations that take positions
>>>> against this vision should not be permitted to be ISOC members?
>>>> Comments?
>>
>>> ISOC-ZA has no organisations as members. Organisations (business and
>>> government) are supporters of our projects, and partners, but as
>>> civil society we have a policy against this, in case of private
>>> interest conflicting with the community.
>>
>>> I apologise for my lack of participation in the past few months, we
>>> have had some mail issues.
>>
>>> warm regards,
>>
>>> aLan
>>> ISOC-ZA