Broadband network neutrality could result in monopolies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Regulating broadband network neutrality could result in Internet service provider monopolies, a U.S. think tank warns. Public policy debate urging governments to prevent anticompetitive behaviour by preserving open Internet access by consumers to third-party services would end up “commoditizing” broadband services, according to a study released today by the Washington-based Phoenix Center. Policy-mandated bandwidth commoditization “is likely to deter facilities-based competition, reduce the expansion and deployment of advanced communications networks, and increase prices,” the report says. “Network neutrality policies present a trade-off. We do not take a position in the paper on the propriety of network neutrality...