Google-Verizon nix 'net neutrality' for wireless

Google and US telecom titan Verizon on Monday proposed a legal framework to safeguard 'net neutrality' but said the rules should not apply to wireless broadband Internet connections.

"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," the companies said in a joint statement.

"In recognition of the still-nascent nature of the wireless broadband marketplace, under this proposal we would not now apply most of the wireline principles to wireless."

Google and Verizon laid out a detailed plan for US legislators to create laws aimed at preventing Internet service providers from violating "net neutrality" by giving some data priority over other digital information.

"The original architects of the Internet got the big things right," the companies said.

"By making the network open, they enabled the greatest exchange of ideas in history. By making the Internet scalable, they enabled explosive innovation in the infrastructure."

Recommending that wireless Internet connections be exempt from net neutrality rules played into fears that Google is changing allegiance in the battle to stop ISPs from giving preferential treatment to those that pay.

(c) 2010 AFP