Google and Verizon held a press call today announcing a joint legislative framework proposal, reports ReadWriteWeb. Here’s the document on Scribd.
Verizon and Google say they are proposing internet network transparency. The companies suggested a legislative framework for consideration by lawmakers. FCC enforcement with up to $2 million fines for network providers that engage in anti-competitive measures that hurt consumers.
Google’s Policy Blog and Verizon’s Policy Blog have cross-posted their statements.
They offer a list of seven principle on how to proceeds:
- The two companies agree that consumers should have access to all legal content on the Internet, and should be able to user whatever applications, services and device they want.
- There should “a new, enforceable prohibition against discriminatory practices.” Wireline broadband providers could not favor particular Internet traffic over other traffic; this includes a bar on paid prioritization.
- There would be new rules for transparency; broadband providers would be required to offer clear information about the services they offer and their capabilities.
- The proposal includes a new approach for FCC enforcement, with fines of up to $2 million for bad actors.
- Broadband providers would be allowed to offer “additional, differentiated online services, in addition to the Internet access and video services offered today.” As examples, they cite “health-care monitoring, the smart grid, advanced educational services, or new entertainment and gaming options.” The companies say their proposal “includes safeguards to ensure that such online services must be distinguishable from traditional broadband Internet access services and are not designed to circumvent the rules.”
- The companies say they would not apply the same rules to wireless service, other than the transparency requirement.
- And finally, they support reform of the Universal Service Fund to focus it in deploying broadband in areas where it isn’t now available.
Google and Verizon have compromised by excluding “net neutrality” from mobile broadband services – a decision critics say could lead to a tiered system for delivering mobile Internet services.
Network neutrality has become a red-hot issue, with opinion from all sides. “It is time to move a decision forward — a decision to reassert FCC authority over broadband telecommunications, to guarantee an open Internet now and forever, and to put the interests of consumers in front of the interests of giant corporations,” wrote FCC commissioner Michael Copps (pdf). “The deal” is likely to be thoroughly examined in the coming days and weeks.
Danny Sullivan argues eloquently for an open network:
I have two laptops. One’s a Mac. One’s a PC. Neither is “carrier-dependent.” If I change my broadband provider from Time Warner to Comcast tomorrow, the laptops still work just as they always have. If I no longer need one of my laptops, I can sell it, and anyone can use it with ANY internet service provider of their choice.
Choice. That’s what this is all supposed to be about, right? Consumer choice. But what’s my consumer choice with cell phones?
