Net neutrality advocates claim Google and Verizon’s joint policy proposal for an “open Internet” will do more harm than good when it comes to keeping networks as open to all data. Critics claim the proposal is “worse than feared” and if adopted will result in users paying premium rates to access content such as critical health care services and access to online gaming platfoms.
In a press conference Monday the two Internet giants detailed a plan that would require all broadband connections to be content neutral, preventing service providers from blocking or degrading Web traffic. While on the surface the proposal looks like Google and Verizon are looking out for the best interests of the Internet as a whole, many feel that the companies have a hidden agenda.
The biggest sore spot identified by leading net nuetrality experts centers on Google and Verizon’s notion that some Internet traffic should be treated differently than other types of traffic. Things such as “advanced educational services, or new entertainment and gaming options” Google and Verizon argue these services should get preferential treatment. Many see this as Google and Verizon attempting to take steps to create a pay-to-play tier of higher bandwidth and more reliable Internet service. The end result might be either content providers or consumers will have to pay more for access to a premium version of the Internet.
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