The Federal Communications Commission voted today to allow Internet service providers to charge websites more for faster delivery of content.
Aleksandar Sasa PekecAssociate professor, Duke University's Fuqua School of Businesspekec@duke.eduhttp://www.fuqua.duke.edu/faculty_research/faculty_directory/pekec/
An expert in auctions and market design, and decision-making in competitive environments, Pekec has contributed to FCC discussions on spectrum allocation and has consulting experience in the banking, Internet, pharmaceutical, retail and telecommunications industries. Pekec is also a member of the Council of Economic Advisers to the President of Croatia.
Quote:"Broadband is a de facto utility and broadband providers appear to have monopoly power in many markets. Thus, there is a need for regulating what monopolists can and cannot do. Allowing for 'Internet fast lanes' is analogous to allowing an electricity provider to make deals with appliance or electronics manufacturers and to charge for electricity depending on the type or even equipment brand the end customer uses."
"Should customers be charged differently if they use a refrigerator from brand X vs. a light fixture from brand Y? Should one pay differently at a gas station if the purpose of their trip is business or leisure or if they drive an SUV vs. a minivan? Should the broadband provider be entitled to provide a different quality of service to a user accessing content on www.duke.edu versus accessing content on a commercial news site of the broadband provider's liking?"