Google: We didn't "sell out" on net neutrality

 

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By Nicole Kobie

Posted on 13 Aug 2010 at 09:32

Google has hit back at claims it sold out on net neutrality, saying its deal with Verizon has nothing to do with Android.

The web giant cut a deal with the US telco this week, after ditching failing talks with the Federal Communications Commission. The firms' proposal would ensure broadband providers couldn't block or promote content running down their lines, but wouldn't do the same for wireless connections.

No other company is working as tirelessly for an open internet

Critics said the deal sold out the idea of net neutrality, an accusation Google said simply wasn't true.

"No other company is working as tirelessly for an open internet," claimed Richard Whitt, Google's Washington Telecom and Media Counsel, in a blog post.

Whitt disputed claims that Google had "sold out" on net neutrality, saying that the deal with Verizon has nothing to do with its Android mobile operating system.

"This is a policy proposal – not a business deal," he claimed. "Of course, Google has a close business relationship with Verizon, but ultimately this proposal has nothing to do with Android."

Better than nothing?

Admitting the proposal wasn't perfect - and wouldn't pacify all sides - Google argued that it at least offers clear, enforceable rules against discriminating against or prioritising traffic on the "wireline" internet.

"We’re not saying this solution is perfect, but we believe that a proposal that locks in key enforceable protections for consumers is preferable to no protection at all," Whitt said.

Google also admitted it had changed its tune over neutrality on the wireless web.

"It’s true that Google previously has advocated for certain openness safeguards to be applied in a similar fashion to what would be applied to wireline services," Whitt said.

"However, in the spirit of compromise, we have agreed to a proposal that allows this market to remain free from regulation for now, while Congress keeps a watchful eye."

Whitt blamed Washington for the delays in coming up with a deal. "Given political realities, this particular issue has been intractable in Washington for several years now," he said. "At this time there are no enforceable protections – at the Federal Communications Commission or anywhere else – against even the worst forms of carrier discrimination against internet traffic."