Category Archives: Internet

How Should Traffic Be Managed on the Information Superhighway?

Internet traffic should flow freely and equally. Photo Credit: tricky (rick harrison) via Compfight cc
Internet traffic should flow freely and equally.
Photo Credit: tricky (rick harrison) via Compfight cc

I’m glad to see that NPR’s headline about today’s FCC vote uses the phrase Internet traffic. Unlike net neutrality, the traffic metaphor suggests movement and action.

It also brings power to mind. Who is managing the traffic and to what end?

In a letter to the editor, I used the phrase Internet traffic speed. While writing, I thought it important to include the word speed because speed seemed like the issue was about. But now I see that speed is only one dimension of Internet traffic. Other important dimensions include political control of Internet traffic and the moral values of equality and freedom that underly the Web.

What do you think? Should managing Internet traffic replace Net neutrality, or am I splitting hairs?

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