Google and Verizon Present Joint Policy Proposal for an Open Internet
Today Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt and Ivan Seidenberg, chairman and CEO of Verizon announced a joint proposal for an open Internet policy. In a blog titled, “A Joint Policy Proposal for an Open Internet,” Alan Davidson, Google director of public policy and Tom Tauke, Verizon executive vice president of public affairs, policy, and communications detailed the two companies’ guidelines for maintaining an open Internet.
“It is imperative that we find ways to protect the future openness of the Internet and encourage the rapid deployment of broadband. Verizon and Google are pleased to discuss the principled compromise our companies have developed over the last year concerning the thorny issue of ’network neutrality.’”
The post goes on to state that wireline broadband providers should not be allowed to discriminate against content that would prevent competition but provides an exemption for wireless broadband and emerging technologies.
The proposal sets forth seven principles as a “suggested legislative framework” for Congress and related government agencies such as the FCC to follow as the net neutrality conversation continues. The seven principles are designed with two specific goals in mind:
- Users should choose what content, applications, or devices they use, since openness has been central to the explosive innovation that has made the Internet a transformative medium.
- America must continue to encourage both investment and innovation to support the underlying broadband infrastructure; it is imperative for our global competitiveness.
Two of the major points in the seven principles include that every have equal access to the Internet and. bans paid Internet priority. They also state that the FCC should have the ability to enforce that right. Other points include provider transparency ensuring that customers are made fully aware of their Internet usage and “broadband infrastructure be used as a means of innovation,” meaning that broadband providers would be allowed to work with “other players” to develop new technology.
Category: News | Tags: broadband, google, Net Neutrality, verizon, wireless“As policy makers continue to formulate the rules of the road, we hope that other stakeholders will join with us in providing constructive ideas for an open Internet policy that puts consumers in charge and enhances America’s leadership in the broadband world. We stand ready to work with the Congress, the FCC and all interested parties to do just that.”
About the Author Sherri is a freelance writer that has a love of all things fun and geeky including gadgets, gaming, anime, and comics. When she isn't writing or out on the town living it up, she loves doing 10-12 hour marathon sessions on her Xbox 360 or one of her older consoles. It's not an addiction, it's a way of life!
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