Very Hot and Cold on Net Neutrality

[Commentary] What does the Network Neutrality debate mean to Smalltown, USA, and rural America? At its core, the net neutrality debate pits those who believe the Internet is a channel for open communications against those whose best financial interests lie in a controlled Internet. Net neutrality just ensures that if Joe's Local Hardware Emporium and Smallville Data Storage Co. both want to move 500 gigabits of data through a provider's network to the Internet, the provider can't show favoritism moving either company's data. If Smallville is moving 500 gigabits and Rural Telemed is moving 100 gigs, it's ok if Smallville pays more, but under net neutrality the operator cannot arbitrarily slow down RT's data traffic because they're the smaller customer. So don't let the incumbent PR blitz fool you. Net neutrality, applied fairly to big and small Internet service providers is good for consumers, businesses and providers.