Wireless network regulation?

The whole issue about net neutrality raised by Google and Verizon’s proposal to the FCC earlier this month caught our attention and I have a few follow up thoughts on the matter. After basic access to the internet was granted as a ‘human right’ by the EU, it seemed inevitable that someone, somewhere with enough clout, would demand industry standard and oversight to ISP supply.

The main point of objectors to Google and Verizon is the lack of regulation that is proposed on wireless networks. Perhaps, if wired broadband is given a standard level, as a result ISP companies will focus on wireless research and introduce priority trafficking on them. Under such a scheme, priority will be given to those already established, leaving start-ups in the cold.

Google and Verizon’s claim is that the wireless network structure is changing so fast that it would not be possible to enforce any sort of neutrality on.

So what other benefit is there for them to keep wireless unregulated? Maybe it has something to do with their focus on tablets and web based apps. Web based programs need the best access available, and if everyone is interesting in exploiting and providing the best wireless they can, it means developers have much more freedom on what can be run.

It doesn’t even have to come to monopolisation or preferred treatment, with so many resources being thrown into research and development of the infrastructure, those with even a foothold in the area, app developer or provider, should welcome the acceleration of wireless network technology.

Who could say no to fast, easy to access, universal wireless networking?