Preserve the Internet

There is a movement out there by a number of companies to create a new internet infrastructure and cost model- called the Infranet. In a nutshell, companies are trying to collaborate to create a model where you will be charged additional fees if you were to download large amounts of data. Another impact would be that there would be costs associated with voice over IP programs such as Skype. Today, if you use a Skype from computer to computer, it would be free. If they are successful in accomplishing the goal of the Infranet, you would have to pay fees. Not to Skype, but to the telecommunications conglomerates. These companies are losing significant revenues and this is their attempt to recoup some of the money lost.

The companies are basically saying the Infranet initiative is similar to creating a public network. Here is the key for them as they explain the New Type of Public Network: "An infranet is a way to give each business and user his own unique slice of a secure public infrastructure. And it is a way for businesses and consumers to select and be billed for the range of services and level of experience that is right for them."

It is attempt at charging heavy users and an attempt to impede freedom of information. It is a utility model that would be metered by the telco companies. My opinion is that independent businesses should have a right to charge for any premium content or services they provide. For example, if cnn.com wants to charge for video, as a private enterprise they have the right to do so and the consumer chooses if they see value and wants to pay. But, to have an intermediary collecting money bothers me greatly. Shouldn't we have open access once we gain internet access?

This is not something that is going to happen in the near term. But, I don't think it shoud ever be the internet model.