Do Google and Verizon Want to Axe Net Neutrality?
File under ’scary if true’: Today’s New York Times has it that Google and Verizon are close to reaching an agreement that would strike a major blow to net neutrality. They’re reportedly working towards an arrangement that would allow some large companies — or at least Google — to pay more money in exchange for faster delivery of their online content. If the Times‘ “people close to the negotiations” are right, an agreement could be reached as soon as next week. New York Times: 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. … 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. Update: As we write
