Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California
Most people don’t quite understand what Net Neutrality is all about or how important it is to the future of the United States as a knowledge economy, especially one driven by software companies that rely on fair internet behavior to survive. Without Net Neutrality, we could never have a Facebook, Twitter, Google, Snapchat, Instagram or plenty of other cloud-based internet businesses. However, it appears that Apple has chosen not to take a side in the Net Neutrality debate, by not signing a letter signed by virtually every other major tech company in opposition to the new Net Neutrality proposed law.
Perhaps it has to do with the fact that Apple’s own business model generally operates within closed circles and closed distribution models? Or perhaps it could be because Apple is still on Comcast’s side, probably pushing for their merger with Time Warner since there have been talks that Apple is looking to launch a TV service in conjunction with Comcast. Or perhaps its because Apple is ready and willing to pay any and all necessary ISP fees in order to gain an advantage over their current competition which isn’t flush with as much cash and likely would suffer from new internet “Fast Lane” business practices. Ultimately, Apple can afford to buy themselves whatever they want, Beats included, and they may see this as a competitive advantage to allow their competitors to not pay for the faster service while they do, giving them an advantage that they simply didn’t have before.
I don’t know exactly what’s going through Apple’s management’s heads, but if they honestly think that a more restricted internet is for the benefit of their business, they’re sorely wrong. If anything, it will ultimately result in the downfall of most software companies and businesses which so wonderfully feed Apple’s app ecosystem. In the end, Apple should be joining their competition to work together to fight these ridiculous FCC regulations and to push for a free and fair internet. We know Apple can afford to.
Perhaps they simply weren’t made aware of the petition/letter, but I find that highly doubtful considering how many of their competitors have already done so. I think they’re being cautious and don’t want to take any sides, even though the sides of this are quite clear and the ISPs are trying to buy themselves protection.
