oldham Blog #13

Another interesting behind the scenes Internet battle is the control of the web by telecommunication groups. Within just a few years, telecommunication companies may have the potential to alter the flow of information on people’s computer screens. For a price, companies like Google and Yahoo are going to compete for “time” on the web. Throughout Internet history, we have become accustomed to the Internet being a neutral space where every company had equal opportunities. Companies are lobbying their views on both sides, each arguing that one way will help better support and market their company. Alan Davidson, Washington policy counsel for Google comments, "If carriers are able to control what consumers do on the Internet that threatens the model of Internet communications that has been wildly successful.” Overall, the neutrality of the Internet is a heated battle that keeps on getting hotter.