Topic: Net Neutrality
Country: Estonia
Delegate Name: Ha Young Kim
School: Grand Blanc High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Estonia position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
Although the idea of the internet has existed since the 19th century, commercial internet providers have only been around for about thirty years, making it a relatively new topic and creating conflict on where governments should stand in regulating the distribution of internet services. Because Estonia has been immersed in the internet and related technologies, it has become known as e-Estonia for its involvement in creating an information and communications technology (ICT) sector in its government to aid the regulation of internet use with its people. Previous experience with the Soviet’s intruding control over information made Estonia appreciate the freedoms that come with net neutrality, making it one of the most net neutral countries and a strong advocate for the regulation of the internet in order to make sure that rights are protected from both the government and people’s perspectives.
Estonia wishes for everyone to be able to use the internet so that they are benefited and aren’t slowed by corporations that want all the benefits to themselves. This especially affects Estonia where there are approximately 160 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people. With 85% of its people on the internet, it is only 3 percent behind the United States which ranks 22 positions higher on the human development index (HDI). It is apparent that Estonia is involved in incorporating technology into the Estonian daily life through the paperless e-Cabinet, e-Police, and e-School systems. Estonia has already drafted legislation that calls for supervising service providers and protecting smaller companies from facing larger companies that can afford faster service. Along with regulating internet services among the Estonians, Estonia has helped the United States and Italy by directing proposals for net neutrality.
With companies like Skype and Netflix requesting that they are given priority when it comes of internet traffic, Estonia believes that certain corporations should be allowed to have higher speeds while not infringing on other internet services rights. In the end, internet service should be available to everyone with little difference in quality or price. To do this, there will have to be government regulation of the internet services of different corporations. Checking internet service providers is necessary to eliminate corruption and inequality when it comes to providing equal access. With equal access there is no room for discrimination and governments can promote quality internet service open to everyone.
