Mobile net neutrality could affect MDM

Business managers and IT personnel in charge of mobile device management may want to take note of the debate that has swirled around mobile net neutrality this year.

According to a recent CircleID report, service providers looking to avoid the heavy data load created by websites such as YouTube often restrict user access to them. Those against the practice say it violates the rights of mobile users, while those in favor said it will help speed up mobile networks.

"In June, the net neutrality debate took an unexpected turn when the Netherlands leap-frogged the USA to became the first country to legislate for mobile net neutrality. Business models for fixed and mobile networks must shift toward volume charges," Joe de Ridder wrote for the news provider.

Google, which has the most popular mobile operating system in the market with Android, has railed against providers' violations of net neutrality.

In 2008, the Federal Communications Commission ordered wired internet service provider Comcast to cease blocking certain content. However, that move was eventually overruled by an appeal this spring that questioned the commission's authority on such matters, according to the New York Times.