Topic: Paid Prioritization

The new FCC rules introduce the term "lawful content," which the hosts suggest could allow for government-mandated blocking of specific IP addresses or services like Pirate Bay. The ban on "paid prioritization" and "consideration" may disrupt existing peering arrangements where companies like Netflix or Google place servers within ISP facilities. This regulatory shift is compared to the "Carterphone" decision, though the hosts argue the comparison is technically flawed and intended to confuse the public.

President Obama's proposal includes a ban on "paid prioritization" and a request for the FCC to treat broadband as a public utility. Senator Ted Cruz famously labeled net neutrality as "Obamacare for the internet," a sentiment the hosts echo while criticizing the potential for government overreach.

Comcast's CEO is heard explaining to investors that Title II regulation does not actually forbid different levels of service for different prices. The hosts argue that the push for Title II is a political tool that will ultimately benefit large ISPs by providing a stable regulatory environment for tiered pricing. They criticize tech pundits like Leo Laporte for supporting regulation that they believe will harm the open nature of the internet.

Clips of Comcast CEO Brian Roberts speaking to investors are played. Roberts argues that even under Title II, carriers have always been allowed to offer different service levels for different prices. Adam uses this to counter the narrative pushed by tech pundits like Leo Laporte, arguing that regulation will actually cement the ISPs' ability to charge more for higher tiers.