Net Neutrality example for those who don't understand it

The New York Times reports that Comcast will block Netflix streaming unless a new fee is paid to Comcast--the logic being that that Netflix's prices will be raised for Comcast users, who will then turn to Comcast's video service instead (good luck with finding anything like Netflix's library there).

In other words, none of you who are Comcast internet customers will be able to get Netflix streaming unless Netflix agrees to pay Comcast a fee, which it doesn't have to do with any other ISP.

Let me put that one more way: Comcast, an internet service provider, is telling Netflix, an online store, that it cannot sell its product to anyone who accesses the internet via Comcast's service, *unless Netflix pays Comcast for the privilege of being able to conduct business on its street*.

Some people see this as the natural result of free enterprise--whatever the market will bear. Others recognize it for what it really is, which is protection money. It's a fucking shakedown.

In an even more disturbing example of a) vertical integration (the new catch-phrase for "monopoly") and b) possible outcomes if Net Neutrality is not protected: the FCC will soon decide whether to allow Comcast to buy NBC merge with NBC/Universal (corrected). Without Net Neutrality, Comcast can then charge every other competing media outlet--ABC, CBS, FOX, etc.--massive fees in order to deliver their content to anyone who has Comcast. You know that annoying "this content not available in your country" message you sometimes get trying to watch a video clip? Just wait for "this content not available to Comcast subscribers."

Non-television example: they could block or degrade iTunes, so that tracks from iTunes would cost more for Comcast users. Why? Comcast has its own online music store. Go there instead!

Here's a disturbing example of how things can go if Net Neutrality is not upheld: Comcast (or any ISP) could charge companies on the opposite side of the political spectrum more to reach their customers than companies that are politically amenable to Comcast's policies, so that they have less financial power and/or less audience reach. Comcast leans Republican; so I'm sure you'll be able to get to Target.com (their PAC goes heavy for the GOP), but you might be surprised when you try to look up your favorite NFL team's website (the NFL PAC gave double the $ to the Dems as to the GOP this year).

This is the week that Julius Genachowski (FCC Chairman) announces whether or not the FCC will protect Net Neutrality.

Sign the petition telling the FCC to stop Comcast from blocking Netflix, and to protect Net Neutrality.

Don't we have laws against this shit already?

ETA: ( handy-dandy image to chill your wallet and encourage you to sign the petition, or, better yet, write your congressperson )