We told you last week that both Google and Verizon were in talks over net neutrality, this caused the FCC to put an end to net neutrality negotiations. Now, Google and Verizon have detailed their plans for what they are claiming is an open Internet.
It seems that the two companies want to promote a transparent and open wired Internet, although they may have some different plans for wireless Internet, which does lead to some concern.
“We both recognize that wireless broadband is different from the traditional wireline world, in part because the mobile marketplace is more competitive and changing rapidly,” said the two companies.
Concerns Over Wireless Internet
The plans could give wireless providers the ability to choose what content is delivered on their wireless network. This could result in companies paying large sums of money to get their content delivered on these networks, while at the same time, some services and content could be blocked. This raises significant concerns about the future of an open and fair Internet, especially for smaller content providers who may not have the financial resources to compete with larger companies.
The plans are quite concerning, to say the least, and a number of people have spoken out against the proposed deal. There are worries that certain content would be delivered faster over the network while other content slowed down and even blocked. This could create a tiered Internet where only those who can afford to pay for faster delivery get their content seen, effectively stifling innovation and competition.
Implications for Net Neutrality
Net neutrality advocates argue that the Internet should be a level playing field where all content is treated equally. The proposed plans by Google and Verizon seem to contradict this principle, especially when it comes to wireless Internet. If wireless providers are allowed to prioritize certain content, it could lead to a fragmented Internet experience where users have access to different content based on their provider.
Moreover, this could have far-reaching implications for consumers. For instance, if a wireless provider decides to block or slow down access to a particular service, users of that service would be at a significant disadvantage. This could affect everything from streaming services to social media platforms, and even essential services like online education and telemedicine.
The debate over net neutrality is not new, but the involvement of major players like Google and Verizon adds a new dimension to the discussion. Both companies have significant influence and their actions could set a precedent for other providers to follow. This makes it all the more important for regulators and the public to scrutinize these plans carefully.
In conclusion, while Google and Verizon’s plans for an open wired Internet are commendable, their approach to wireless Internet raises several red flags. The potential for content prioritization and blocking could undermine the very principles of net neutrality that have made the Internet a powerful tool for innovation and free expression. It remains to be seen how these plans will be received by regulators and the public, but one thing is clear: the debate over net neutrality is far from over.
via Tech Radar
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