Google and Verizon close on agreement to end 'net neutrality'

[DorsetBoy]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1300640/Google-Verizon-close-agreement-end-net-neutrality.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Search engine giant Google and U.S. telecoms company Verizon are finalising a deal that could spell the end for 'net neutrality'.

Under the current system of internet neutrality any packet of data commands the same right to bandwidth as any other.

That means a Skype video conference has as much chance of a connection as a Google search or regular email traffic.


If the rules are changed, certain types of data could buy a 'first class ticket' ensuring priority access.

While the current negotiations will only affect U.S. web users, any new standard could spread to other countries, especially as internet service providers could derive extra revenue by implementing a tiered system.

The changes are expected to hit mobile web users hardest, as home fixed-line connections in most are already fast enough for regular browsing.

The two companies are still trying to determine the details of the deal, although Verizon is expected not block or slow Internet traffic over land lines but could do so to wireless devices.

[Rik]

Why am I not surprised that Google is involved?

[zappaDPJ]

How very nasty 

[pctech]

....and Vodafone who are part owners of Verizon

This is a very dark day for Internet users.

I sincerely hope this doesn't become the norm.

I've experienced traffic management on a BT owned ISP and that was bad enough.

[DorsetBoy]

Presumably Google and Verison (displaying a typical American attitude) believe they somehow own the internet and have the right to as they wish?

Lets hope it bites them in the *rse in a very big way.

[Rik]

Nothing has jaws that big.

[pctech]

Unfortunately Dorset as most of the Tier 1 networks are run out of the States (meaning the Network Operations Centres are based there) they do, then of course are the root servers, which while are geographically dispersed, are largerly under their control.

More power to European operators such as Interoute, EUnet, TeliaSonera and dare I say it, BT.

[kinmel]

another chance for Idnet to excel, they can then advertise that they pass all traffic at high speed.

[Rik]

A bit like Simon's driving then.

[Simon]

Yes, you'd better get the way!  

[Rik]

I didn't say which Simon... 

[Bill]

OTOH:

http://www.neowin.net/news/google-and-verizon-deny-net-neutrality-violations

[Rik]

Sounds like a PR job to me.

[pctech]

I reckon Google will go by the back door and start offering IP transit at a much cheaper price to ISPs.

[Rik]

I don't think you're wrong...

[pctech]

I will avoid any ISP that uses Google as a transit provider.

[Rik]

With the way Google go on, that might, eventually, become difficult.

[Technical Ben]

AFAIK the killer service Google is offering, is not against "net-neutrality" (as in slowing down some connections, and speeding up others) but offering the server space and back haul for the services needed.
Google feel their server farms are great, and want to sell them on. You get a faster service, because the traffic does not have to travel from America as Google host a copy in the UK. A bit like combining their search, along with a copy of the site as well, for really quick page loading etc. So yes, Google hosted services will be quicker, that's because they are installing the new systems, not because they are holding back someone else.  

[Rik]

And keeping careful note of everyone who accesses them. 

[Technical Ben]

And keeping careful note of everyone who accesses them. 

That too. 
They at least try a lot more than others. IDNet have our personal data, but I trust them.
Not sure how far I trust Google, I always opt out with them! 

[Rik]

Me too, I just don't know whether it actually has any effect.

[DorsetBoy]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/10/technology/10net.html?src=busln


Web Plan From Google and Verizon Is Criticized

SAN FRANCISCO — Google and Verizon on Monday introduced a proposal for how Internet service should be regulated — and were immediately criticized by groups that favor keeping the network as open as possible.



According to the proposal, Internet service providers would not be able to block producers of online content or offer them a paid "fast lane." It says the Federal Communications Commission should have the authority to stop or fine any rule-breakers.

The proposal, however, carves out exceptions for Internet access over cellphone networks, and for potential new services that broadband providers could offer. In a joint blog post, the companies said these could include things like health care monitoring, "advanced educational services, or new entertainment and gaming options."

The two companies are hoping to influence regulators and lawmakers in the debate over a principle known as net neutrality, which holds that Internet users should have equal access to all types of information online.

This principle is crucial for consumers and for fostering innovation among Internet entrepreneurs, Eric E. Schmidt, Google's chief executive, said in a call with reporters. "The next two people in a garage really do need an open Internet," he said......(more)

So, the NYT were not wrong, Google and Verison are trying to influence regulators and want to create a loophole for some services.

[Technical Ben]

Oh, that way... "We will not shape traffic... (for current services)." So true, but not true statement. Cheeky things.
I understand it's difficult. They should look for ways of making it work, without leaving the customer "shafted".

[Rik]

Google always leaves us shafted. I'm beginning to think they weren't set up to earn money but to achieve world dominance.

[Simon]

... or both.