In the physical world the post office and Federal Express are similar to ISP’s: They deliver the goods. With these, if there is real competition what ISPs may want to do (favor some, block others) it cannot be done, because the customers will migrate elsewhere, say from Federal Express to the postal service.

So, the major problem could be the lack of competition among the ISPs. which could happen if a monopoly exists if, for example, only one ISP exists for a given market or if several ISP’s formed an ISP association or if one ISP buys out the others.

Most governments (I think) allege to be against monopolies but contradictorily allow “associations” to be created within an industry (and even professions) and when you look closely at what the so called “association” does, it is mainly the setting up of monopolistic practices, such as the setting up of price structures, limiting competition and making entry into the business impossible, things that can be done directly by the “assiciation” members directly or by lobbying for legislation. RIAA, MPAA, ASCAP, etc. are good examples.

My point: We should be on the lookout to see what the ISP’s propose and what legislators legislate and what the government regulatory agencies decide, corporate consolidations and buyouts, and the formation and activities of the so called “associations”. In short, monopoly formation.

Rafael Venegas
http://www.gvenegas.com

Or it might simply be a great excuse to block all traffic that doesn’t come from them or their “trusted partners”. “For our customers safety and convenience” of course.