You're right, I'm just trying to disambiguate it from the net neutrality argument, which doesn't seem to actually be relevant here (as Comcast is treating all traffic through those links poorly, not just Netflix traffic). If it is truly about the monopoly, regulators have different (and thankfully more powerful) tools to change Comcast's behavior, whereas using net neutrality seems like a losing (and misleading) fight.
The mutual benefit still exists. Comcast benefits from peering with Netflix because it allows Comcast customers to access Netflix. Comcast is just playing chicken because they know their monopoly position allows them to hold out longer than peers with actual competitors.
> You're right, I'm just trying to disambiguate it from the net neutrality argument, which doesn't seem to actually be relevant here (as Comcast is treating all traffic through those links poorly, not just Netflix traffic).
The network neutrality issue is that Comcast is intentionally causing congestion on all the links that Netflix traffic could possibly use. The traffic for Comcast's own competing video service offerings don't have to traverse the congested links, nor does traffic from anyone who Comcast provides with a separate uncongested link in exchange for a toll or some other business consideration. That's practically the definition of a network neutrality issue.
Not upgrading their connection is not the same thing as intentionally causing congestion. Especially when the connection would be fine if it weren't for the massive share of Netflix traffic.
The massive Netflix traffic that I, as a Comcast subscriber, is requesting.
If we're all all drawing too much data over the network, upgrade it and charge us more! I have no higher bandwidth options than Comcast's cable internet service. Huge lack of competition in California.
But Netflix might be the exception here right?
> You can't just ignore the monopoly argument.
You're right, I'm just trying to disambiguate it from the net neutrality argument, which doesn't seem to actually be relevant here (as Comcast is treating all traffic through those links poorly, not just Netflix traffic). If it is truly about the monopoly, regulators have different (and thankfully more powerful) tools to change Comcast's behavior, whereas using net neutrality seems like a losing (and misleading) fight.