Net Neutrality is one of the many complex tech-based debates in the political world today. Most people either don't know what Net Neutrality is or don't understand the Internet-based relationship between users, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and website creators. The confusion is understandable in people who aren't invested in technology, but shouldn't be acceptable for a leader of one of the world's most notable smartphone makers.
Blackberry CEO John Chen wrote a letter to Congress on Wednesday about Net Neutrality and the upcoming FCC hearing. He told them that Title II government oversight was excessive and unnecessary, a typical criticism from ISP creators. Chen then took the argument in a weird direction. He stated that net neutrality shouldn't just stop ISPs from creating different data-lanes for Internet traffic, but also require app creators to not discriminate between content creators.
"If we are truly to have an open Internet, policymakers should demand openness not just at the traffic/transport layer, but also at the content/applications layer of the ecosystem," Chen wrote.
Chen then attacked Netflix and Apple for not making their respective apps Blackberry-compatible. He also took a swing at cell phone carriers who have blocked or locked out Blackberry devices from their network, saying that the upcoming net neutrality bills should stop them from doing that.
This letter was certainly an unusual move for Chen, considering how much he seems to misunderstand. Then again, Blackberry is slowly dying out in the smartphone market. Appmakers don't see enough of a market on Blackberry to spend time making their apps Blackberry compatible.
If users want a more accurate understanding of net neutrality, they should check out this illustrated guide.
