Topic: Metered Service

Adam continues to dismantle Net Neutrality arguments, specifically the comparison to electricity utilities. He notes that electricity is a metered service, which is exactly what ISPs want for the internet. He references Tim Wu, the creator of the term "Net Neutrality," noting that Wu's original thesis acknowledged that metered service is the only way to truly manage finite bandwidth resources.

The origins of the term "Net Neutrality" are traced back to Tim Wu, who originally posited that metered service is the only way to achieve true democratization of data. The hosts discuss the legal battle between Verizon and the FCC, which led to the current proposal to use Title II or Section 706 authority. They explain that Title II would regulate the internet like a telephone system, which is inherently a metered utility.

A network engineer provides a detailed critique of "Net Neutrality," arguing that treating all data packets equally is technically negligent. The engineer explains that traffic shaping and prioritization are essential for network performance, particularly for time-sensitive data. The hosts argue that the push for neutrality will inevitably lead to metered internet billing and play into the hands of large providers like Google.

Cities are replacing traditional water meters with automated wireless versions that allow utilities to monitor usage in detail and shut off service remotely. VSI Meter Services is identified as a major contractor for these "smart grid" initiatives. The hosts express concern over the loss of privacy and encourage tech-savvy listeners to investigate ways to jam or hack the devices.