Will the 'Net' ever be neutral and what does that mean to the access providers of the 'Net?'    This is the question we ponder today in light of recent AT&T accusations about Google:  http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-42716120090926?sp=true

In truth, I do not believe that the 'Net' or its access will ever be truly neutral unless the entire thing is turned over to the Government.  

Think about it.   If any virtual network service provider can offer competitive services over another network service provider's network without having to pay the cost of maintaining that network, then how do the network service providers pay for their network?   Ultimately, the consumer pays, but in a competitive world, the network access providers are caught between the proverbial 'rock and a hard place.'  They need to compete with each other to hold prices down to retain customers while the customers demand more and more bandwidth.   Ultimately, the consumer loses because the network providers will not be able to monetize their networks sufficiently to provide the increasing bandwidth.  Over time, technological progression grinds to a standstill.  Network providers are not making any money and consumers are frustrated.

In the end, you might as well let the Government provide the network and tax the people accordingly.