If you've not been following the 'network neutrality' (NN) debate, the next issue of IWR explains it in detail. As often happens with writing features, the story evolves even as it's being written.

Network neutrality is an American issue which is likely to impact the rest of the world. It's about trying to prevent the internet splitting into two tiers: a fast lane for people with deep pockets and a slow lane for everybody else. The operators - cable companies and telcos - want information providers such as Google and YouTube to pay extra for the privilege of snappy delivery.

At the time the IWR article was written, the House of Representatives had already rejected an NN addendum to its larger telecommunications bill. On Wednesday, a Senate committee also rejected a similar amendment to its own bill. Both bills have been otherwise approved. Among other things, they will allow telcos to compete with cable companies for delivery of, for example, television.

This means that the telcos will need to fatten up their pipes to the consumer and they resent, as do the cable companies, giving internet companies what they see as a free ride down their wires/cables. They want to inspect content and charge accordingly. Supporters of NN see the internet more as the road system, allowing anyone on in any vehicle and carrying any cargo.

This is not the end of the story. When the bill reaches the floor of the Senate, it can be blocked or amendments can still be put forward.