We need to distinguish between the access provider (IAP) which provide
bit (or packet) transport and the ISP which providers services outside
the network. Most people buy both services from the same company and
there is no wall between the two in that the ISP is tempted to help the
IAP part of the business reduce traffic. But that's no different than
buying a newspaper which chooses and positions stories to maximize the
advertising revenue.
Like many, I only want an IAP and not an ISP. This discussion should
make a distinction between basic protocols and services that an ISP can
provide. It shouldn't presume that the purpose of the ISP is to make the
IAP more profitable by reducing the traffic.
Bob Frankston
rmf19(_at_)bobf(_dot_)frankston(_dot_)com