How blackouts could kill the Net

The blackout that resulted because of a feud between backbone carriers Level 3 and Cogent this week was reminiscent of a TV dispute between Time Warner and Disney in 2000, which resulted in blank screens instead of ABC programming for millions of viewers.

The ABC incident raised questions about the need for more regulatory control of the airwaves--and, as broadband services become widespread, the Internet--to avoid such issues in the future. And that future could be now.

One of the most amazing things about the Internet is not its infinite content or communication, but its defiance of government regulation. With the exception of criminal activities, the digital universe has largely avoided the bureaucratic fate of other mass media and communications vehicles. But if enough customers complain to their congressional representatives about blackouts, all that could change.

Broadband access could then be deemed a necessary universal service, similar to electricity and telephone communication--and that would mean the death of the unregulated Internet. So the message to Level 3, Cogent and others is clear: Play nice.

Blog community response:

"I am NOT one for more or bigger government, but this has to be stopped...and it has to be stopped NOW! The internet plays a HUGE role in all of our lives."
--Desert Rat Ramblings

"The day we allow the partitioning of the Internet is the day it loses its value."
--Presto Vivace Blog

"This is what it is all about, isn't it: the convergence of pay for play versus share and share alike. Open Source vs. Commercial Software. Copyright vs. Creative Commons. Cable vs. TV. RIAA vs. Peer to Peer. Telephone vs. VOIP. Convergence or crisis?"
--triscribe