Is "Net Neutrality" Neutral?
Reflection Question: The issue of net neutrality can be thought of as a contest between internet service providers and internet content producers/providers, with the Federal Communications Commission balancing their interests on behalf of consumers. Do you think that is an accurate depiction of the current state net neutrality regulations? Why or why not? What do you think the FCC's goals should be with regards to net neutrality?
Assignment: We will examine the current issue of net neutrality, which can pit those who provide access to the internet against those who use the internet-specifically, those who use the internet to produce or provide content, such as web pages, videos, streaming music, etc. The unit will culminate in your production of a written memorandum, addressed to me, that addresses the issues raised in the reflection question.
We will examine the internet communications industry in two parts: The first part will review the basic structure of the business of the internet. You should come to class prepared to discuss this aspect on October 18. The second part of the unit will address legal and other regulatory issues. You should be prepared to discuss this aspect on October 25.
For this Unit, each student will be placed in a group, and each group will be responsible for doing research on a particular aspect of the business of the internet. The groups will drive much of the discussion in our class on October 18.
The group assignments are as follows:
Group 1: What concerns do internet services providers have with net neutrality?
- Students: Awais Ali, Kennon Clarkson, Peyton Miller, Brandon Walters, Xiaoyang Chen
Group 2: What concerns do internet content producers/providers have with net neutrality?
- Students: Brian Arbaugh, Jessa Wilson, Gary Price, Jeremy Dotson, Yuna Kim
Group 3: What concerns do consumer groups have with net neutrality?
- Students: Justin Baisden, TaimoorGondal, Shelby Reynolds, Tanner Robinson, Tong Wu
You are expected to do your own research that we can discuss in class. However, to help you begin your research, I have included below some links to materials that will be helpful. THESE SHOULD NOT BE THE ONLY MATERIALS YOU REVIEW BEFORE CLASS-YOU SHOULD COME PREPARED TO DISCUSS YOUR OWN RESEARCH FINDINGS.
Beginning Resources:
What is "net neutrality"? Some brief explanations.
- https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/04/the-best-writing-on-net-neutrality/361237/
- https://www.aclu.org/feature/what-net-neutrality
- https://gawker.com/what-is-net-neturality-and-why-should-i-care-the-non-g-1657354551
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/02/24/net-neutrality-what-is-it-guide/23237737/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshsteimle/2014/05/14/am-i-the-only-techie-against-net-neutrality/#177a0466352e
The history of the debate.
- https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/235335
- https://whatisnetneutrality.org/timeline
- https://www.cnet.com/news/net-neutrality-from-there-to-here/
Legal resources
- https://transition.fcc.gov/Reports/1934new.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communications_Act_of_1934
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunications_Act_of_1996
- https://www.cadc.uscourts.gov/internet/opinions.nsf/3AF8B4D938CDEEA685257C6000532062/$file/11-1355-1474943.pdf
- https://www.fcc.gov/general/open-internet
- https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-24A1.pdf
- https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-339799A1.pdf
Case Write-up Expectations
Students in the Marshall University Masters of Accountancy program are expected to approach cases in a thorough and professional manner. The division has decided to encourage you to consider the following items when completing a formal write-up of a case.
A. The format prescribed by the case or instructor needs to be followed
1. The result should look professional and follow standard format for letters, memos, etc.
2. The format should not consist of a list of answers to the questions unless these are worked into the desired format.
B. The body of your case write-up will include, but not be limited to
1. Issue identification
2. Concept/law/standard that is being relied upon/applied to the case situation
3. Key facts from the case
4. Analysis of how the concepts relate to the issue and facts, including clearly identified assumptions being made by yourself
5. Conclusion that clearly follows from the analysis
C. Flow and writing style are important
1. The questions posed in the case, if any, should be answered within the body without disrupting the flow of the document
2. Transitions between topics should be included so that ideas flow together
3. Flow within the document is critical to the communication of your ideas to the recipient of your work
4. Remember your audience with regard to both content and tone of the writing.