A Technological Perspective on Net Neutrality

TL;DR

This paper provides a technical analysis of Net Neutrality, explaining Internet fundamentals and arguing for ISP regulation based on usage-based economics to inform policy debates.

Contribution

It offers a technical perspective on Net Neutrality, highlighting that current Internet economics are usage-based and advocating for regulation informed by this understanding.

Findings

Internet economics are strictly usage-based

Usage model can account for all Internet uses

Legislation should regulate ISPs regarding Net Neutrality

Abstract

This paper serves as a brief technical examination of Net Neutrality and the Internet fundamentals relevant to the discussion. This document seeks to provide sufficient technical perspective that it may inform the political and economic debate surrounding the issue in the United States. Further, this research demonstrates that existing Internet economics are based strictly on usage, and that this model can account for all uses. Finally, I will argue that there should be some legislation and regulation of ISPs with regard to Net Neutrality in the U.S.