Net Neutrality: A Problem In Search Of A Solution

[Commentary] The problem, as Daily sees it, isn't necessarily that Internet network operators are messing with traffic, but rather that there aren't any clear rules of the road for what traffic management is OK and what isn't. Smaller operators are holding back innovation in their networks to make sure they don't run afoul of these nebulous rules. And these problems will likely only get worse as new ways to manage traffic emerge that will create more uncertainty about what's OK and what's not. This is especially true as the concept of managed services begins to take hold, which opens a whole other can of worms about who should get access to what and what rules need to be in place to protect free and open competition on these next-gen networks. The undeniable truth is that network operators need to know what they can and can't do in terms of managing access to and traffic on their networks, and app developers and content creators need to be able to have an understanding of what to expect as they create experiences that leverage these networks. Without some level of certainty about all of this we're going to force everyone to be hesitant when it comes to investing in expanding their capabilities in all the different directions that digital technologies make possible.