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The Economist also says Net Neutrality is a means to preserve openness, though the piece fairly outlines its many cons.  Without Net Neutrality, proponents of government regulation argue Internet service providers will create a closed Internet by blocking content or permitting some websites to ride on a “fast-lane” above others.  However, this, too, should be decided by consumer choice in the free market, not by prescriptive rules from the FCC that mandate extremely “open” business models.  Consumer preferences in the free-market alone have long ensured that ISPs do not block websites.  Additionally, prioritizing traffic helps prevent congestion, and the model of offering paid fast lanes is utlized by mostly “open” companies like Google to ensure their service is fast enough for consumers in places far from their servers.  Finally, paid prioritization would provide a new revenue source for ISPs to lower prices and invest in broadband expansion, speed, and other services – something that can be very good for consumers.  Net Neutrality and the FCC's lingering attempt at broadband reclassification could take all these potential benefits away.

Websites and online communities have sprung up over night, giving the craze almost the feel of a competitive sport.

Out of personal curiosity, more than anything else, I decided to start writing down all the countries I could find with the number of Internet users. Slowly, the list started to grow and the help of an Excel dBase became necessary. More countries were added and updated figures started to come in.

“I have had letters and calls from many, many readers whose opinions back up this report and reveal a lack of interest and even a huge distrust of the web, and there are probably millions of people who are determined never to consider even trying to operate a computer.”

So why aren’t older people using the web? According to Professor Bill Dutton, who directs OxIS, trust in the Internet is based largely on experience with this technology. As he said: “Getting elders to experience the Internet, when they distrust it, is the central challenge.”