Neutrality

 

I enjoy Vi Hart’s videos. I find that she has a particularly riveting way of explaining music theory that makes me actually want to like math. For the record, math and I don’t get along and never really have. Ours is an uncomfortable détente.

Vi has put together a video on Net Neutrality.  Why, as a Canadian, am I concerned about Net Neutrality?  Because Canada watches what happens in the US and often absorbs their legal ideals. We also aren’t immune to US political lobbying.

I’m not even suggesting that Canadian ISPs would attempt to throttle my Netflix traffic in order to try and force me to watch cable TV or use their OnDemand services – which I’m sure they could. What I see happening is even more sinister than that.  It’s the possibility of US content providers telling my ISP / cable provider that they need to lobby for Canadian Neutrality Laws that benefit US Monopolies.  US Networks make money every time you watch an American TV show on your Canadian network (or network affiliate) – otherwise they wouldn’t license those networks to broadcast those TV shows. If you aren’t giving your $7 to Netflix every month, that’s more money in their pocket, and is also a reason why many US networks are upset that Netflix doesn’t categorize its content by network brand.

To be blunt, many US content providers have a stake in your TV and internet viewing habits. It’s the reason why we have Internet, Copyright and Privacy bills being proposed fairly regularly.

I enjoy the fact that I have a choice in whether or not I consume my media via the internet or via cable TV. Because my schedule is non-standard, I choose to use the internet more often than trying to catch a show on TV or set up a PVR recording. I generally watch shows when I have the time, and when I have an idea what I’m in the mood for.  I’m sure my PVR has already dumped 2/3 of the recordings I just didn’t have time to watch over the past 6 months (okay, more like a year). Having choices means that I can watch Game of Thrones on OnDemand, use Netflix to find out why my friends are raving about Supernatural, or catch the latest broadcast of CSI on its network’s website.

Choices.  I like ’em. I’d like to keep ’em. Get informed! 🙂