Net Neutrality Needed For Indie Music’s Continued Growth

Net neutrality – that all traffic on the net should be treated equally – has been a much debated topic in recent weeks as Congress takes a hard look at the issue. But it’s vital importance to the new music industry is not getting the attention that it  deserves.

Broadband providers argue that some sites, services and applications like audio and particularly video streaming plus sharing of large files takes up so much bandwidth that they should be able to charge for usage.  Google, Yahoo! and most others argue that equal access is at the core of what makes the net essential and worthwhile: for very little cash anyone can share what they create with everyone with almost no one in the middle.

"For musicians, net neutrality means they should have the unfettered ability to make their work available to potential fans without undue interference from corporate gatekeepers," wrote Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy of the Future Of Music Coalition in an op-ed piece in The Hill. "Similarly, music fans should have the ability to access this music via a range of legitimate business models. Net neutrality also ensures the continued innovation that has spurred the growth of the indie sector, the transition to a legitimate digital economy and, more widely, consumer adaptation of broadband services."

This is big important stuff that the mainstream media and more surprisingly the music press has not given much space to. Get involved by sending a message to your elected representitive in Washington or sign a petition and learn more at SaveTheInternet.com.

Resources Wickepedia on Net Neutrality, Future Of Music Coalition, Save The Internet