A survey released by Gomez, an IT application performance product vendor and division of Compuware, found that about a third of Internet users will abandon slow-loading websites within five seconds.  Mobile broadband users are even less patient with only 17 percent willing to wait 5 seconds for a page to load.  37 percent of the 1,004 Internet users surveyed during this June Web-based survey stated that a slow-loading website would discourage them from coming back.

This survey is very telling and shows that Internet users expect quality service and performance.  Demand for high-speed Internet is rising, and with this increase in demand comes the demand for quality and reliable broadband service.  While the company Gomez takes no position on net neutrality, it is seemingly obvious that with increased Internet restrictions, Internet service providers are going to have some difficulty in meeting Internet consumer demands since increased regulation places harsher restrictions on ISPs’ ability to manage networks, and consequently, Internet congestion – the culprit for slow-loading pages.

Ultimately, survey results can be construed one of two ways: 1) more the reason for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to step in and regulate the industry, or 2) a prime example of why net neutrality rules should not be implemented.  Without net neutrality rules, consumers will have greater choice in their purchasing power for broadband services.  When we consider this argument in a level-headed manner, most will agree that a fast and reliable Internet is the ultimate goal.  Whether the government or the private sector is best suited to deliver this service – I’ll leave that decision to the American consumer and avid Internet user.