Cox Communications is testing a new way to manage online traffic jams in Kansas and Arkansas — and if it flies, we here in the Valley could soon be engulfed in the latest challenge to Net Neutrality.
Starting Feb. 9, The Associated Press reports, “Cox will give priority to Internet traffic it judges to be time-sensitive, like Web pages, streaming video and online games. File downloads, software updates and other non-time sensitive data may be slowed if there is congestion on the local network, Cox said.”
“This new technique is based on the time-sensitive nature of the Internet traffic itself, and we believe it will lead to a smoother Internet experience with fewer delays,” the company said on a Web page put up for subscribers.
On the other side of the issue, consumer advocates will see it as a blow to user choice.
