Users and experts on Slashdot and reddit strongly disagree with Genachowski’s stance, stating that it is only a ploy to increase telecom profits. It was also said internet service providers lack the necessary competition to be kept from gauging customers. Among other arguments were that such usage-based billing would change how the web operates as a whole. Cloud-storage companies like Dropbox wouldn’t be sensible under a metered bandwidth plan. Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services would also be severely affected. Online advertisements would consume bandwidth, and any web company like Google or Facebook that depends on ad revenue would see users steering clear. “The core problem with usage-based-billing, or metering, or whatever you want to call it, is that for the majority of Americans their local internet provider is uncontested, and may have a granted monopoly.” “80% of Americans have a choice between at least two providers.” “A choice between 2 giant telecom monopolies who are both overcharging for service and have price-fixing agreements behind close doors. Yeah, that’s not a choice. It’s an illusion of choice.” Later on Genachowski offered praise to Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox, Bright House, and Cablevision for this week sharing access to 50,000 hot spots nationwide. According to a Rueters report these are not public hotspots, but rather each requires the credentials of a paid subscription account to use. The only sharing going on is between company infrastructures. Comment
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