Dean, You know what internetNZ could do? It could start lobbying the government to push for US media companies, to remove location based tariffs on content in the pacific region under the APAC Economic Cooperation Treaty (which includes a free trade component). If it's easier for us to get the new media as it is avaliable we wouldn't need to start working on ways to get around restrictions that essentially close access to internet based content. Perhaps instead of "free trade" we need a "free internet" agreement. Greg Soffe Manager Telecom Internet Registry Telecom NZ ltd. -----Original Message----- From: nznog-bounces(a)list.waikato.ac.nz [mailto:nznog-bounces(a)list.waikato.ac.nz] On Behalf Of Dean Pemberton Sent: Thursday, 10 May 2012 2:29 p.m. To: nznog Subject: [nznog] Do you feel like a second class Internet citizen? Hi all, apologies for cross-posting. With the recent launch of FYX and their "Global Mode" it's made me think about a number of points. I'd like to get your view on them, there are questions at the end so lets get started. Now I know that not all marketing is to be believed, but lets have a look at some of the recent statements made by FYX: "We need to say very specifically that we are providing a service that gives much greater access to the internet." http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=138&topicid=101761&page_no=1#621440 "We have enabled a technology we like to call "Global Mode" which creates freedom for New Zealand internet users that doesn't exist elsewhere." "So we decided to FYX the internet by removing some of the barriers that were getting in the way of great choice." "... we just do our hardest to give you the access and freedom that you deserve. Ultimately, we are about access and openness for Kiwi's." http://www.fyx.co.nz/what-is-fyx.html So with my InternetNZ IP technical policy hat on, it got me thinking... Are people using a "New Zealand IP Address"[1] to access the internet having their freedom impacted by not being treated the same as someone using a "US IP Address"[2] ? Has Internet Citizenship got anything to do with where you are physically located any more? Or does it purely come down to where a content provider believes your IP address is originating from? If that's the case then there will be times when having an IP address from a certain country is an advantage, as well as a liability. Just like different passports really. FYX would have us believe that they are providing their users greater access to the Internet and allowing Kiwi's [sic] to enjoy the freedom of a better internet experience. So here are my questions for people. 1) Is this claimed lack of freedom something real? Do New Zealanders feel that they are being somehow restricted by having their internet traffic originate from a "New Zealand IP Address" 2) If it is real, given that one of InternetNZs objectives is "To promote easily available access to the Internet for New Zealanders". Is there anything that InternetNZ could be doing at a policy/advocacy level to address this restriction on freedom. 3) Again, if it is real, do you think that just having FYX offering this service will encourage other providers to follow suit, and therefore solve the problem? Or is some other action required? Thanks for that, look forward to the responses. Regards, Dean [1] However you define that [2] However you define THAT _______________________________________________ NZNOG mailing list NZNOG(a)list.waikato.ac.nz http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/nznog