Currently the Internet is a non-discriminatory space, where each site

Currently the Internet is a non-discriminatory space, where each site sends information freely. But this could change if neutrality legislation is not passed. Should Yahoo! pay each time someone downloads a video? Should eBay be charged a connection fee to utilize the Internet which makes its commerce possible? Verizon caused a stir recently when one of its executives said that Google “is enjoying a free lunch.” This free lunch could be ending soon.

“Network Neutrality” is a term used to describe the idea that I.S.P’s - like Verizon and Roadrunner - should not be allowed to favor certain websites over others. Network Neutrality is central to keeping the Internet a freely evolving entity. I.S.P.’s are interested in “access tiering,” which assigns to different sites different levels of access. If access tiering is allowed, small business sites could have a harder time getting the connection speeds that companies like Walmart.com would be able to pay for. In this case, larger corporations would have an unfair advantage in online sales.

The net neutrality bill, currently being drawn up, would keep I.S.P.’s from charging fees and then favoring those who pay the most. Service providers of phone and cable tend to get their way in federal legislation; however, the public has a strong interest in keeping the Internet a free space. We need to get behind “Network Neutrality” legislation right away. If we come out in strong support of net neutrality, users of the Internet will decide how the Internet evolves, instead of its providers.

1. The tone of the passage is

A. Aggressive
B. Persuasive
C. Apathetic
D. Balanced
E. Dogmatic

2. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

A. An issue is presented, followed by questions concerning its validity.
B. An argument is stated, followed by a description of an issue.
C. Questions are posed, followed by an argument which answers these questions.
D. Trends are discussed, followed by their effects.
E. A solution is proposed followed by questions concerning the issue.

3. The passage probably appeared in a:

A. Business history textbook.
B. Reading for a Marketing course.
C. Newspaper Editorial.
D. Internet Enthusiast's journal.
E. Personal computing magazine.

4. The questions posed in the first paragraph serve to support which of the following statements from the passage?

A. Service providers of phone and cable tend to get their way in federal legislation.
B. Google is enjoying a free lunch.
C. I.S.P's are interested in 'access tiering' which assigns to different sites different levels of access.
D. Network Neutrality is central to keeping the internet a freely evolving entity.
E. Larger corporations would have an unfair advantage in online sales.