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Monday, August 09, 2010

Google-Verizon marriage based on Third Way

Google and Verizon are in love over net neutrality (forgive the levity but after last week's will-they-won't-they and my nuptials on Saturday, I'm feeling rather pleased to see their - and my- dreams come true).
The 7-point agreement is not quite Amazon net neutrality, but its near as dammit and shows that real battles lie over mobile/wireless net neutrality in future on both sides of the Atlantic (Google caved: see point 6). Verizon has conceded at least no negative discrimination, and real consumer transparency [edit: I optimistically thought they also conceded FRAND, wishful thinking].
Its not clear how co-regulatory the outcome will be. Note fining powers and No.5 - which says Amazon net neutrality but without FRAND. Here's an edit of their own edit:
  1. FCC’s current wireline broadband openness principles would [be] fully enforceable at the FCC.
  2. [Also] new, enforceable prohibition against discriminatory practices [Includes] presumption against prioritization of Internet traffic - including paid prioritization [but see point 5 below]. So, in addition to not blocking or degrading of Internet content and applications, wireline broadband providers also could not favor particular Internet traffic over other traffic. 
  3. Enforceable transparency rules, for both wireline and wireless services [like Europe and Canada, but how enforced?]. Broadband providers would be required to give consumers clear, understandable information [and] also provide to application and content providers information about network management practices and any other information they need to ensure that they can reach consumers. 
  4. New enforcement mechanism for the FCC on a case-by-case basis [like Canada], using a complaint-driven process... could impose a penalty of up to $2 million. 
  5. [QoS is OK if its not in the pipe] allow broadband providers to offer additional, differentiated online services, in addition to the Internet access and video services (such as Verizon's FIOS TV) offered today [e.g.] health care monitoring, the smart grid, advanced educational services, or new entertainment and gaming options. 
  6. [Not like Canada or Europe] We would not now apply most of the wireline principles to wireless, except for the transparency requirement. [Instead] Government Accountability Office to report to Congress annually on developments in the wireless broadband marketplace. 
  7. Reform Universal Service Fund, deploying broadband in areas not now available [Burstein on this joyous fight]. 

1 comment:

Armil@verizon internet said...

I never thought this one: Google and Verizon are in love over net neutrality.; It's totally great! Thanks for the news!