---
date: '2014-02-25'
draft: false
title: Dumb pipes
tags: ['politics', 'net neutrality']
---

**[Ben Bajarin:](http://atbenbajarin.com/dumb-pipes/)**

> Smart devices were ultimately the downfall of the wireless carriers when all the value moved to the handset and its ecosystem rather than their own proprietary ecosystem. This is the fear that some cable companies must face. Could smart devices eventually do the same thing to them? We can only hope.<!-- excerpt -->

I can't help but agree with everything Ben Bajarin has to say in this post. Carriers and broadband providers acting as "dumb pipes" is the best outcome for consumers and I can't help but cheer every time a provider gets a step closer to that role.

I don't want any services tied to my cell or broadband providers' ecosystems. I want them to provide me with the fastest connection at the most reasonable price possible and then get out of the way.
