pingVision supports Net Neutrality.

We do so because, frankly, our business depends upon it. Our business model is all about designing and developing dynamic websites to help businesses, organizations, educational institutions, communities, individuals and governments to open up lines of communication, promote their wares, share their knowledge, exchange their views and engage in conversations. Anybody can have a website. Websites are valuable ... but only if they are accessible.

Net Neutrality is the fundamental basis upon which the internet, as we know it, operates:

When we log onto the Internet, we take lots of things for granted. We assume that we'll be able to access whatever Web site we want, whenever we want to go there. We assume that we can use any feature we like -- watching online video, listening to podcasts, searching, emailing, and instant messaging -- anytime we choose. We assume that we can attach devices like wireless routers, game controllers, or extra hard drives to make our online experience better.

What makes all these assumptions possible is "Network Neutrality," the guiding principle that ensures the Internet remains free and unrestricted. Net Neutrality prevents the companies that control the wires bringing you the Internet from discriminating against content based on its ownership or source. But that could all change.

The biggest cable and telephone companies would like to charge money for smooth access to Web sites, speed to run applications, and permission to plug in devices. These network giants believe they should be able to charge Web site operators, application providers, and device manufacturers for the right to use the network. Those who don't make a deal and pay up will experience discrimination: Their sites won't load as quickly, their applications and devices won't work as well. Without legal protection, consumers could find that a network operator has blocked the Web site of a competitor, or slowed it down so much that it's unusable....

...What does that mean? It means we could be heading toward a pay-per-view Internet where Web sites have fees. It means we may have to pay a network tax to run voice-over-the-Internet phones, use an advanced search engine, or chat via Instant Messenger. The next generation of magical new inventions will be shut out of the top-tier service level.

Such developments away from Net Neutrality would stifle the very creativity that makes the internet the interesting, exciting and informative communications medium it is today. Whether we want the internet to become like television, with a limited amount of "channels," with a limited variety of content, is not a question I'd like to have to confront. We've done alright with the internet like it is so far. It's not by any means perfect, but at least it's free (as in freedom).

For more information, SaveTheInternet links to this video that explains Net Neutrality:

Ask A Ninja offers a much more humorous take:

We'd really like to stay in business. We believe strongly in what we do. In developing websites using free open source software (Drupal), we feel we're helping to bring about a new vitality to the world of economics, communications, culture, politics and business. If our clients' websites are blocked or hindered by internet gatekeepers, then I don't think we'd be developing websites much longer. So yes, we support Net Neutrality ... for First Amendment reasons and for our own selfish business interests.

And we're not alone:

• Laura's blog
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