The Internet, Just Like Any Other Product
When dealing with the case presented in class last week, both teams supported their arguments very well. If I had to pick a winner for the debate, I would defiantly have to go with those who were against having a fixed cost and bandwidth for all internet users. I was a judge, so I guess by me saying I agreed with them that in fact entitle them to be proclaimed winners.
Having a fixed cost and bandwidth does not allow the economy to grow. I realized that the argument that each household would get the same amount would in fact take away from slow internet because of over users, but some people just need to over use. I felt that the best example would be a small e-business ran out of some ones home. For example, one of my friends owns his own business where he sells books over the internet. He has multiple operating systems and need to be online at all times. His internet usage may cause it to be slower for other people, but he pays for that advantage. People who have money always get the nicer things. That is just how the world works, and it has been like that forever. Now, if the internet usage was a fixed rate, he would not be able to do as much business. He would make fewer profits, and not need more internets, but that does absolutely nothing for the economy. In some sorts, it makes the economy worse off. If a small business owner can not profit due to the internet, than he will become less wealthy which will bring the entire wealth of the country down. We want just the opposite of that. We want to make money, and make this country more profitable. Information sharing systems and pc were created to do this. To make every day business efforts easier, and to share information more efficiently. By not allowing people to take advantage of this, we are simply keeping the economy from being better off.
I also understand that the people who want a fixed rate have the argument that everyone will get the same amount of internet for the same costs, which will make a more competitive market. This is not true, because it will not allow for any industry leaders. Yes, it will probably get rid of monopolies, but these are almost non-existent anyways. If people want to pay more to have a better internet, than so be it. Who is anyone to tell someone what they can and can not spend their money on? The internet is just like any other product, and for the right cost it could be as good as individual wishes it to be.
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