Netflix calls for ISPs to back true net neutrality

Nieuws Video Verenigde Staten 21 MAR 2014
Netflix calls for ISPs to back true net neutrality
Netflix has come out against ISPs that charge for better access to their customers and called for more internet providers to adopt true net neutrality. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said the company has agreed to pay the "toll" of interconnection costs to some ISPs in order to ensure its customers have sufficient bandwidth for viewing. This includes the recent agreement with Comcast, which supports "weak net neutrality", Hastings said. Other ISPs, such as Cablevision, already practice "strong net neutrality", ensuring an "outstanding" performance for Netflix users. 

Hasting said the company did not pay for premium access to ISPs, only interconnection. The reason was most Netflix customers have little choice to change ISP, as broadband is available usually from just 1-2 providers in most areas of the US. In addition to consumers paying significant amounts for broadband of varying quality, Netflix noted that small service providers may also be suffering from the interconnection fees demanded by ISPs to ensure smooth streaming. 

In addition, the CEO pointed to a double standard at ISPs, that support free peering amongst themselves, but do not extend this to other service providers. Hastings said ISPs should realise that net neutrality would help grow their businesses over the long term. While Netflix will continue to pay interconnection in the medium term, the CEO pledged to continue "to fight for the internet the world needs and deserves". 

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