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
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