It took us a long time to adopt a position on net neutrality, but finally we did, based on the lessons for policy we drew from the Budget Telecom Network Model (BTNM). We concluded that it was not appropriate for countries that relied on BTNM and the high volumes of use and extraordinarily low prices associated with it. Now it appears that two of the main protagonists of the fight over net neutrality in the US are crafting a compromise that will in effect end the debate.
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.
8 Comments
Rohan Samarajiva
Here is commentary that may shed light on the question mark:
LYG
For info: Google denies deal to end net neutrality
http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/disciplines/digital/google-denies-deal-to-end-net-neutrality/3016777.article
Sanjana Hattotuwa
Thankfully, the debate is far from over.
Google and Verizon introduce net neutrality proposal – http://www.downloadsquad.com/2010/08/09/google-verizon-net-neutrality/
Rohan Samarajiva
Multiple viewpoints and many emotional comments on the subject at http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2010/8/9/who-gets-priority-on-the-web
Sanjana Hattotuwa
Emphasis on emotional! The point you / Lirneasia make about the BTNM is unsurprisingly not part of this debate. And on the topic of BTNM, a link to the study in the story above would be greatly appreciated.
Rohan Samarajiva
And more. Now the companies start lining up: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/12/technology/12net.html?_r=1&ref=technology
Sri Lanka needs policy reforms to align with evolving digital economy: LIRNEasia Senior Research Manager Gayani Hurulle
Gayani Hurulle, Senior Research Manager at LIRNEasia, recently discussed the challenges facing Sri Lanka’s digital economy in an interview with Yarl TV. Gayani highlighted various policy challenges and opportunities pertaining to the digital economy, drawing on LIRNEasia’s research.
Exploring AI’s transformative potential: LIRNEasia launches ‘AI for Social Good’ workshop series
LIRNEasia concluded its first workshop (30 March, 24’), its first and part of a larger series of initiatives on ‘Artificial Intelligence for Social Good’; intended to raise interest and awareness on the potential of AI to benefit society at large. The event featured a keynote speech by Dr.
Launch of the FutureWORKS Collective at an inception workshop in Negombo
The FutureWORKS Collective was officially launched at an inception workshop organised by the JustJobs Network on March 6-9, 2024 in Negombo, Sri Lanka. The workshop was the first in-person convening of the five regional hubs that will form the Global South research network.
Links
User Login
Themes
Social
Twitter
Facebook
RSS Feed
Contact
12, Balcombe Place, Colombo 08
Sri Lanka
+94 (0)11 267 1160
+94 (0)11 267 5212
info [at] lirneasia [dot] net
Copyright © 2024 LIRNEasia
a regional ICT policy and regulation think tank active across the Asia Pacific