Google, Verizon, the FCC and Net Neutrality

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Gene Gaines <gene.gaines () gainesgroup com>
> Date: August 4, 2010 9:33:59 PM PDT
> To: David Farber <dave () farber net>
> Subject: Google, Verizon, the FCC and Net Neutrality

> Two views of a stunningly important issue
>
> FIRST: From the New York Times, Aug 4, 2010:
>
> Google and Verizon in Talks on Selling Internet Priority
>
> WASHINGTON — Google and Verizon, two leading players in Internet service and content, are nearing an agreement that 
> could allow Verizon to speed some online content to Internet users more quickly if the content’s creators are willing 
> to pay for the privilege.
>
> The charges could be paid by companies, like YouTube, owned by Google, for example, to Verizon, one of the nation’s 
> leading Internet service providers, to ensure that its content received priority as it made its way to consumers. The 
> agreement could eventually lead to higher charges for Internet users.
>
> Such an agreement could overthrow a once-sacred tenet of Internet policy known as net neutrality, in which no form of 
> content is favored over another. In its place, consumers could soon see a new, tiered system, which, like cable 
> television, imposes higher costs for premium levels of service.
>
> Any agreement between Verizon and Google could also upend the efforts of the Federal Communications Commission to 
> assert its authority over broadband service, which was severely restricted by a federal appeals court decision in 
> April.
>
> People close to the negotiations who were not authorized to speak publicly about them said an agreement could be 
> reached as soon as next week. If completed, Google, whose Android operating system powers many Verizon wireless 
> phones, would agree not to challenge Verizon’s ability to manage its broadband Internet network as it pleased.
>
> ... more, see: 
> http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/05/technology/05secret.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=globaleua21
>
>
> SECOND: From the Wshington Post, Aug 4, 2010:
>
> Verizon, Google make net neutrality pact, sources say
>
> Google and Verizon have come to an agreement on how network operators can manage Web traffic, according to two 
> sources briefed on their negotiations.
>
> The agreement, expected to be announced within days, comes as the Federal Communications Commission tries to get 
> major Internet content firms and network service providers to strike a deal on disputed points of so-called net 
> neutrality rules. It's unclear how the deal will affect the direction of those discussions.
>
> The FCC said Verizon and Google are still part of meetings between senior staff and officials at AT&T, Skype, a cable 
> trade association and the Open Internet Coalition. Public interest groups criticized the meetings and the rumored 
> agreement between Verizon and Google for allowing giant Internet firms to have a greater say in the future of how 
> consumers access the Web.
>
> Verizon wouldn't confirm that a deal was struck but said in an e-mail statement:
>
> "We've been working with Google for 10 months to reach an agreement on broadband policy. We are currently engaged in 
> and committed to the negotiation process led by the FCC. We are optimistic this process will reach a consensus that 
> can maintain an open Internet and the investment and innovation required to sustain it."
>
> Specifically, Google and Verizon's agreement could prevent Verizon from offering some prioritization to the biggest 
> bidders who want better delivery of content on its DSL and fiber networks, according to the sources. But that 
> wouldn’t apply to mobile phones, the sources said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the companies have 
> not officially made their announcement.
>
> And Verizon could offer some managed services -- better quality to some Web sites such as those offering health care 
> services, the sources said. But some analysts speculate that managed services could also include discounted YouTube 
> and other services to FiOs customers at better quality.
>
> Google did not reply to a request for comment.
>
> The rumored deal drew criticism from public interest groups, who have argued that the country's biggest Web firms and 
> broadband service providers shouldn't have such a strong influence on how federal rules are formed on Internet access.
>
> ... more, see:
> http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2010/08/google_and_verizon_have_come.html
>
> Gene Gaines



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