[scoundrel2u]

Date engraved onto net neutrality tombstone: June 11, 2018.

That will be the day net neutrality finally dies in the United States following the publication of the full "Restoring Internet Freedom" FCC rules in the Federal Registry on Friday morning.

Despite having been formally voted on and approved back in December last year, the order that pulls back previous FCC rules and re-re-classifies internet access as a "Title I" information service, wasn't published until February 22.

Everyone had assumed that meant that net neutrality would be killed off on April 23, but no - it turns out the FCC had written the order such that it was subject to approval by the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Well that all appears to have happened and now the FCC has formally published the order, meaning it will take effect on Monday, June 11. :romance-ballandchain:


Once the repeal is passed, the FTC will be tasked with going after internet providers that engage in unfair or deceptive practices, but net neutrality supporters argue the agency is not equipped to prevent companies from abusing their power over web traffic. :wave:

Not only is the FCC eliminating basic net neutrality rules, but it's joining forces with the FTC to say it will only act when a broadband provider is deceiving the public. This gives free reign to broadband providers to block or throttle your broadband service as long as they inform you of it. :doh:

Pai's plan will require companies such as Comcast and Verizon to disclose to their users whether they plan to block or slow down certain sites, and the FCC will be tasked with overseeing their transparency.
:whack:

 

[AstroWill]

Just ask the Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District about their recent throttling to dial-up speeds of their 'unlimited' data plan by Verizon during the Mendocino Complex fire.

But there are some, um people, that will still insist that 'nothing has changed since the repeal of net neutrality'.

Thanks Ajit Pai!

Here is an easy way to write congress: https://www.battleforthenet.com/

 

[sixsix]

1st off - My heart goes out to all who are/were affected by the devastating, albeit usual, wildfires.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Well, well, well.

I am truly surprised you waited so long to post this up, Will.
As soon as I read and saw the news of:
"The Cali Fire Fighters that got their Cell Service Throttled while Fighting a Fire"...

Weeks ago...
When the fires were just getting "HOT". Then ... crazy stuff started happening, Will went away, I got "Bumped" and Cali burned while everyone there's cell service was throttled.

Fellow Forum Readers - Do a search for yourselves. Find out the REAL STORY.

Read about Greedy Verizon
and... the Greedy Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District
and... Fake News - Greedy Reporting about "NN" ...
- instead of saying how stupid ALL the parties involved were and still are.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ = B A N D W I D T H + TIME = MONEY

Can you imagine saying to the Mexican girl living in Singapore that fields your call to Verizon from the Dispatch at SCCCFPD...

"Can you please upgrade us to your $99 / mo plan so we can continue to organize our fire-fighting efforts into Mendocino area?".

In an accent you can hardly understand... "dju relie theresa 8 meg upchaaage per moooooth?"

Breathless... the exasperated dispatcher - now firefighter, says, "Fine, do it"

Click, ... ...?

"Sank vu" ... click.

I don't feel sorry for people losing their cell phone Bandwidth.
I also do not feel sorry for people being charged an arm and a leg for the privilege of using one.
Watching movies and listening to music using precious Bandwidth is stupid.
Fire fighters depending on the Internet and it's wicked red-headed step-son, Cell Phones on $39 / mo are idiots.

Mike

 

[sixsix]

Oh, and by the way, almost everyone on Verizon and most other providers have been throttling for years.

Well before and well after June 2018.

Internet and Cell phones are NOT a Utility like water or elec. and do NOT need Regulation.

Just Communication. Just ask that Mexican lady...

Mike

 

[scoundrel2u]

status update...

Date engraved onto net neutrality tombstone: June 11, 2018.

1 week later, I ported my mobile number over to google project fi, and said good bye to big red and Mr. Pai.
Anyone interested in dumping verizon and joining project fi, shoot me a PM and I'll send you a link... We both will get a $20 credit. Can you hear me now? :lol:

Thanks Ajit Pai!
Here is an easy way to write congress: https://www.battleforthenet.com/

Thank you, Will... you are a very wise man and one of my heroes. :handgestures-thumbup:

1st off - My heart goes out to all who are/were affected by the devastating, albeit usual, wildfires.

ray: Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With You.

 

[sixsix]

Ha, ha

... google project fi, and said good bye to big red and Mr. Pai.

Yeah - really under the radar there. ??? Mr Pai will never find you at "The Big G".

Right?
And it is only a matter of time and money for Fi to turn into V - then you all will be lookin' again.

Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With You

If for me - Thank You - I'll pass them on to the Wife and The Trump family.

Mike

 

[scoundrel2u]

Synopsis:

The new law in Washington state (House Bill 2282) will prevent any telco from impairing (throttling) or favoring (fast-lanes) internet traffic based on the content internet users consume, or the apps, services and devices they use. In short, the telcos will not be able to create a pay-to-play environment for customer experience. Supporters have argued this is not only an issue which supports consumer rights, but also maintains a level playing field for small businesses which would not be able to compete with the financial might of big business.

For anyone that is still following this thread that doesn't live in one of the states that still have NN...
There are 2 easy ways to get around the pay-to-play environment. Buy a VPN service for about $5 per month or switch to a MVNO for your mobile broadband needs. :ugeek:

The basic arrangement of an MVNO works like this: a big carrier sells its unused network capacity at wholesale prices to a smaller company that can capture a part of the market that is less profitable or more difficult to reach with its existing plans.

scoundrel2u wrote:
... google project fi, and said good bye to big red and Mr. Pai.

Yeah - really under the radar there. ??? Mr Pai will never find you at "The Big G".

Right?
And it is only a matter of time and money for Fi to turn into V - then you all will be lookin' again.

Nope ! I'm not really hiding nor trying to be under the radar... I just took my business elsewhere.
Project Fi will never be a network operator.
Project fi is a MVNO with service from Sprint, Us Cellular, T-mobile, and 2 million WiFi networks in over 170 countries. :dance:

 

[AstroWill]

The new law in Washington state (House Bill 2282) will prevent any telco from impairing (throttling) or favoring (fast-lanes) internet traffic based on the content internet users consume, or the apps, services and devices they use. In short, the telcos will not be able to create a pay-to-play environment for customer experience. Supporters have argued this is not only an issue which supports consumer rights, but also maintains a level playing field for small businesses which would not be able to compete with the financial might of big business.

That is great!

California has gone above and beyond on SB 822, just waiting on Gov. Jerry Brown to sign it into law. It's sure to be legislation a lot of states should and hopefully will follow.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/face ... 20180SB822

 

[sixsix]

Your opening statements don't make any sense to me, but probably do to most folks on the coasts. But that is OK - the regs. will not affect MY personal online experience.

Your ending remarks make it seem as though nothing has changed for you - just paying someone else and that will change too.

...In short, the telcos will not be able to create a pay-to-play environment for customer experience.

That does not sound like "fair open market stuff".

So - seems like most are having a fit with Phone Costs... but our Cable TV is what costs us the most.
We have our face in the TV at home like most others have the Cell.
But when we leave the house - we leave the TV there.

And as far as that Cal. bill... perfect for states to do that - no sense in everybody suffering. LOL

West coast seems more n' more like a foreign country with each passing day, bill, feeling.

Mike

 

[scoundrel2u]

Your ending remarks make it seem as though nothing has changed for you - just paying someone else and that will change too.

Correct.

That does not sound like "fair open market stuff".

Correct. Life is never fair.

West coast seems more n' more like a foreign country with each passing day, bill, feeling.

Also, Correct ! We agree.
Now can we celebrate with one of the Best Bourbons You Can Only Find in the Bluegrass State ?

 

[sixsix]

Nice reference to the oldest distillery / rye / whiskey building in the US.
Thanks - spent the whole morning reading some great history about Ky. and Penn. farmers.

Like the Bombergers out of Schaefferstown, Penn., that distillery is gone but for the "The Creek", wood Jug House, storage tank and foundations near the intersection of Michters and Distillery Rds.

Bourbon must still be Distilled in Ky. - I believe there is some ancient rule about it.
How does the Michter's, of Louisville, taste compared to some of the more commonly known brands?

I only ask because I am not a cona, counnes... conne.. expert on spirits. I drink beer and am no expert on it either... 'cept it's got to be cold.

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Mike

 

[scoundrel2u]

IIRC, there are about 8 brands of premium bourbon only available in Kentucky. They start at about $40 and go up to about $700 for a fifth. Michters sells for about $120... so, a nice mid range bottle. Personally, If i lived in Kentucky, i would try some of the cheaper brands. There are some real hidden treasures out there. The flavor is all about how it's made and how long it's aged, and what they age it in. Bourbon is an acquired taste, You'll either like it or not, then again i also like single malt Scotch Whiskey. It's usually reserved for special occasions. Your mileage may vary. Cheers. :banana-tux:

 

[sixsix]

...They start at about $40 and go up to about $700 for a fifth. Michters sells for about $120... so, a nice mid range bottle. Personally, If i lived in Kentucky, i would try some of the cheaper brands...

Did just that for the New Year - tried a few new Bourbons and had a few Jim Beam and cokes.
Jim Beam Honey neat & on the rocks was excellent also.

Tried Heaven Hill - one of the oldest. Honestly , they all taste very close.
Single Malts are definitely in a class all their own and the Prices command respect.
On both fronts - seems some are just smoother and get after you easier...

Remy Martin VSOP is still King. If you can find it , much less afford it.

Now - back On Topic. Anyone been affected by NN locally or have any unrealistic anecdotes to share ??

Mike

 

[AstroWill]

Getting there.

The Save the Internet Act (S. 682) , would restore the protections we had under the 2015 Open Internet Order. Net neutrality protections ensure that ISPs treat all data that flows through their networks fairly. The order also provided mechanisms that promoted competition and access to the Internet and considered the role Internet access and Internet speeds play in public safety. In April of 2019, the House passed its version of this bill, and now it's time for the Senate to follow suit.

While there are other so-called net neutrality bills, they often contain only a ban on three practices: blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization. While preventing these actions is important, they are not the only threats to net neutrality. The Save the Internet Act is the best option for true net neutrality protections.

Don't settle for senators who supports net neutrality in name only. Ask them to co-sponsor the Save the Internet Act and make a real commitment to stand up for a free and open Internet.

https://act.eff.org/action/tell-the-sen ... rotections

 

[sixsix]

I am glad we have not been affected as you all have been out West.
Seems the NE would be seeing the same situation.

I wonder how easy/hard it will be to get that thru the Senate.
Good Luck !

Mike

 

[MechBob]

LOL,I have replied before, maybe not to this exact thread. Obamas "net neutrality" ruined my internet.Living in the mountains,and using cell for the net,it jacked my prices,restricted sites I wanted to see,and, also provided the supplier with a "no recourse" whenever i was not provided with service, I was still charged for the service, and was told they no longer had to refund me,because of the new net neutrality. Since it went away,I was warned my expenses would go up.Yep,they did,1 dollar a month,but my internet speed went up greatly(why?because the provider was less encumbered by gov regulations). Blows my mind so many think government control is the best answer,after so many years of failure. Anybody that votes, or wishes for even more government control, is very ignorant.That is what has happened to UK and Australia,no guns,no protection from the government.God bless the USA!!!!

 

[sixsix]

LOL,I have replied before, maybe not to this exact thread. Obamas "net neutrality" ruined my internet.Living in the mountains,and using cell for the net,it jacked my prices,restricted sites I wanted to see,and, also provided the supplier with a "no recourse" whenever i was not provided with service, I was still charged for the service, and was told they no longer had to refund me,because of the new net neutrality. Since it went away,I was warned my expenses would go up.Yep,they did,1 dollar a month,but my internet speed went up greatly(why?because the provider was less encumbered by gov regulations). Blows my mind so many think government control is the best answer,after so many years of failure. Anybody that votes, or wishes for even more government control, is very ignorant.That is what has happened to UK and Australia,no guns,no protection from the government.God bless the USA!!!!

Bob, you could not have said it any better... that last part there about gov't. control.

There is no reason to think we won't have a "Free and Open Internet"...
- altho' the Free days are way over, it is still pretty cheap. We are using "The New Spectrum" cable.
Our full feature/free long dist ph. and 200G/sec Internet is always $23.00 / mo.

There was one very important part of this thread that I forgot to put Extreme Importance on:
Cellular Phones and their required Service is driving these heartfelt discussions/legislation.
Not being a "User", I totally miss the ardent feelings for them and the services they and the folks who use them rely on.

Poor scoundrel, he mentioned "Ditching the Big Red / V" and going to Project / G00gle Fi.
- So now they are one of the Most Expensive providers
- a Very Poor Support/Service Structure outgrowing it's capabilities
- limited phone choices
- requires G00gle Pay and boy-o-boy, don't let autopay lapse w/ G00gle...
And... Buuut... the worst part: go over your "Gig Plan", in some cases, and your service is THROTTLED.
Sure hope they informed those individuals.

Seems I heard that around here from someone...

Mike

 

[markmitch]

My Mom when I was growing up used to say if you want fair wait till fall and go to the fair at the fairgrounds otherwise shut up! Of course she was joking but it stuck with me. I am glad the net neutrality thing didn't effect how I use the internet. I enjoy watching my firestick when there's nothing on regular tv. And i use facebook to talk to family in New England.And of course this site.

 

[AstroWill]

On to the next chapter.

It was interesting to read how they were investigating fake comments for/against net neutrality. The broadband industry paid millions for a whole lot of fake support, which I'm not sure that our current administration really would have cared either way. It seems like they are always working against the will of the people instead of working for the people.

"Kao, who now works at ProPublica, also estimated that 99.7% of the "organic" comments - those that didn't appear to be duplicates or prewritten - favored maintaining the Obama policy of net neutrality."
Definitely worth a read https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/js ... ersonation

Unfortunately a District of Columbia appeals court found that the FCC could legally repeal net neutrality. While not surprising, kinda sucks. One other horrible thing that the FCC wanted to do for the benefit of wealthy broadband owners to the detriment of common Americans was to block the states from creating their own stricter rules(Sounds like the same thing the current administration is trying to do with emissions/automobile efficiency, taking away states ability to create their own stricter rules). The ruling also said that the FCC can't automatically declare that any state laws automatically violate their rules. This helps out the 34 states, +DC that have already introduced open internet legislation, but definitely not a slam dunk.
https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/3/2089 ... -questions

Gotta make a mental note to remember this kind of stuff come election time.

I always thought it was supposed to be 'by the people for the people', not 'by the wealthy for the wealthy'. :rofl:

Update: Here is the New York State Office of the Attorney General's report on the fraudulent/fake comments https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/o ... report.pdf

 

[sixsix]

A couple things while I am still up.

I am surprised Will mentioned "Broadband" so many times in the previous post.
It was somewhat taboo to mention it just a short time back.

... block the states from creating their own stricter rules(Sounds like the same thing the current administration is trying to do with emissions/automobile efficiency, taking away states ability to create their own stricter rules)

This was a no-brainer for me - I was dismayed that the Trump admin was 'butting in' on California's Automobile Emissions laws.
I am a 'pro-state' / for the better of the Country follower.
I just have no idea why they ( gov't. ) think that the rest of the nation should be subject to the state's emissions laws.

No idea at all about the issue or why it is being questioned/commented on.
Seems California s/b able to do whatever it feels is advantageous / better for the well being of the populous.
As long as it does not screw w/ the other 49.

Is that not the reason for different states? I mentioned this in another post the other day.

Then again, the border / immigration / partisan fight is another story/deal/subject altogether.
Only because THAT issue affects us all.

The people that don't mind, live, thrive and enjoy themselves there.
I know I / We always had a blast - Back in the 80s and 90s. We left many tracks around El Toro, Santa Ana, Saddleback, Normandy, that little Zoo, Laguna, Orange Co. Drags ( moment of silence please ), Love's BBQ, etc, etc.
Not enuf' room here.

I can certainly understand Cal's. bunch that wants secession - goodness ...
- the World's 6th ranked ( or higher ) economy is nothing to sneeze at.

God help us if it comes to that...

:2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2:

Mike