Wireless News
07-29-2011
ConsumersHeldHostage.org Claims Internet Providers Are Limiting Internet Freedom
Type: News
ConsumersHeldHostage.org reported it claims to have uncovered sneaky policy changes by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who are placing new limits on paid Internet usage.
This organization said it views these policy changes as classic anti-consumer behavior due to the fact that these limits do not apply to the ISPs' proprietary services.
In a release, ConsumersHeldHostage.org noted:
These policy changes decrease the amount of activity the ISPs' customers are allowed on their own paid Internet connection, as opposed to net neutrality which deals with content, instead of amount. However, these limits don't apply when using the Internet Providers' own TV and phone services which are delivered over the same connection.
As an example, if a viewer watches one Netflix or Hulu video the meter is turning. But when using the Providers' TV service it is okay to run every TV in the house, 24/7, with no penalty. Or, there is unlimited calling with the Internet Providers' voice service, but pick up a Vonage phone and the meter is running.
The penalties for exceeding these limits include surcharges or service being turned off. ConsumersHeldHostage.org observes that these moves are an increase in rates with a decrease in service which, in any economy, would cause distress but in these difficult times are a colossal burden. This organization believes that if consumers do not take a stand and fight back immediately there will be huge consequences resulting in the loss of Internet freedom.
Most people don't stop to think about how the Internet has become central to everyday life. A multitude of activities require Internet access - from watching videos using services like Netflix and YouTube, to listening to music using iTunes, to making phone calls with Vonage or Skype, to checking and sending email, to playing games, to accessing favorite social media services like Facebook or Twitter, to performing online banking, to checking favorite stock quotes.
The simple truth is the Internet is a requirement for a huge list of devices beyond a computer. Some of these Internet-hungry devices include tablets, gaming systems, smartphones, set-top boxes, TVs, DVD players, GPS's and even some appliances.
ConsumersHeldHostage.org is a grassroots organization whose goal is to work with consumers to put mass pressure on companies to adopt more consumer-friendly policies.
More Information:
www.ConsumersHeldHostage.org
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