The Times sheds more light on the previously-denied Google/Verizon pact to strip net neutrality:
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.”
Ah, look how the PR folks sell you a whopper. All indications are that more and more online access will be coming through mobile devices. Sooner rather than later most of us might well be getting most of our “online” information through cell networks. Coming up with different rules for mobile and traditional broadband today is simply ending Net Neutrality on a time-release loophole.
First off: Cringely doesn’t provide evidence. He’s guessing that a way of giving Google preferred access without technically violating net neutrality is to give them access to Verizon property for server farms, thus cutting out some of the hops on the internet backbone. Interesting theory. I wonder if/when we’ll get the real story of this secret pact.
To see how it could work, you need to know a little about Google’s network of data centers, those windowless buildings around the country containing the servers that answer search queries, show maps, provide e-mail service and download YouTube videos. Several years ago, the company found a way to build a data center quickly and easily by simply filling a warehouse with stacked shipping containers — each one filled with computers. You just plug the containers together and flip the switch. Clever.
The New York Times reported it yesterday and though there have been official denials, it’s still far from unclear whether the deal is happening. If true, Google is on the verge of selling out a basic tenet of free speech on the internet (everyone has access to everyone) to get preferential treatment for Youtube. Very slimy and a very scary thought for under-funded but vital web publishing.
On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Google and Verizon “are nearing an agreement that could … speed some online content to Internet users more quickly if the content’s creators are willing to pay for the privilege.” While both Google and Verizon quickly denied the NYT report, the newspaper says it’s standing by its story. If the Times is right, this content-for-cash scheme would be the greatest scandal in Google’s history. We could term it “Internet Payola,” after the practice of record labels paying radio stations to play their songs.
