Security Dealer & Integrator

JAN 2018

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10 Security Dealer & Integrator / www.SecurityInfoWatch.com January 2018 In a move that did not come as a surprise after weeks of specu- lation and buildup, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently voted to end what is known as "net neutrality." The question – one that SD&I; actually posed in an article three years ago – is how this will affect the security industry, especially when it comes to video surveillance monitoring. Before embarking on an in-depth look at its ramifications for our indus- try, here is a brief primer on what net neutrality really is. Quoting Shayne Bates' article (www.securityinfowatch. com/11647096): "Traditionally, net neutrality is based on the principle that all Internet traffic and its con- tent – flowing to and from destina- tions – should be treated equally, and that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) should not pick and choose what to give preference to, or cut traffic off in favor of their own preferences; thus the term 'neutrality.'" The whole concept seems to makes sense; however, opponents to net neutrality – including new FCC Chairman Ajit Pai – call it heavy- handed regulation. "In place of that heavy-handed framework, the FCC is returning to the traditional light-touch frame- work...while also adopting robust transparency requirements that will empower consumers as well as facilitate effective government oversight of broadband providers' conduct," a statement from the FCC reads. "In particular, the FCC's action has restored the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to act when broadband providers engage in anti-competitive, unfair, or deceptive acts or practices." Fears of Our Industry Back in 2014, Bates posited that video surveillance providers who want to use a Software as a Service platform would be effected by a revocation of net neutrality. Indeed, streaming high definition video may be affected if ISPs decide to create Internet "fast lanes" for content, but in 2018, the true impact of this decision has more to do with the current competitive climate for security service providers, who are increasingly finding themselves in direct competition with the very ISPs who are targeted with this ruling. "Our biggest concern is that an Internet provider who also provides alarm services can throttle or block the services of an alarm company in favor of its own alarm entity," explains Lou Fiore of The Monitoring Association. "This would be especially critical when a broadband service such as video is concerned." Adds Security Industry Association (SIA) CEO Don Erickson: "Alarm com- panies depend on services offered by ISPs, while ISPs increasingly offer their own security monitoring, installa- tion and related services. The security industry has sought to eliminate the potential for anti-competitive prac- tices involving broadband access, so we are disappointed the new FCC Order does not retain the 'Bright Line' rules prohibiting blocking, throttling or paid prioritization." For its part, Comcast – one of the ISPs in direct competition with tradi- tional security service providers – has "repeatedly stated (it) will not block, throttle, or discriminate against lawful content," according to a statement. All that said, anything that even remotely threatens the life safe- ty-centric services provided by those in our industry should be minded. "The increasing use of video data and mobile broadband within a range of emergency communications sys- tems requires reliable service. We are hopeful that Congress will consider new legislation enacting a targeted set of rules governing broadband access that also protects the alarm industry against potential anti-com- petitive practices," Erickson adds. ■ SECURITY WATCH Top Story BY PAUL ROTHMAN Net Neutrality Revoked: What Does it Mean for Security? Forget streaming video, the biggest effect for this industry concerns direct competition with ISPs Read the full analysis at www.SecurityInfoWatch.com/12387060 ■ FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. Photo: Ron Sachs/CNP/Zuma Press/TNS We are hopeful that Congress will consider new legislation enacting a targeted set of rules governing broadband access that also protects the alarm industry against potential anti- competitive practices." — Don Erickson, SIA

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