Author(s)
Robert W. Hahn and Scott Wallsten
Source
AEI Brookings Related Publication 06-13, April 2006
Summary
This paper looks at proposals to stop broadband carriers from charging some customers more.
Policy Relevance
Net neutrality is a kind of price regulation, and historically such rules have harmed investment and growth.
Main Points
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Observers disagree about what net neutrality means, but most proposals would:
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Bar broadband providers from controlling content.
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Bar broadband providers from charging more for a premium service.
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Net neutrality supporters argue that traditional Internet flat rate pricing catalyzed growth, but some other kind of pricing might have been even better.
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Consumers want premium service; it should not be illegal for a hospital to buy better service to enable real-time online collaboration between surgeons.
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To avoid broadband abuses, government barriers to broadband competition should be removed.