net neutrality: Google Quietly Tries Brokering Deals With ISPs To Get Priority Access

[RepublicanElephant]

"In essence, network neutrality means that cable and phone companies must treat all content crossing its lines equally, much like how phone companies today do not prioritize one phone call over another. Many supporters claim that this the secret to the internet's success?if it was divided, only rich companies could participate, and new entrants would never have a chance. For consumers, network operators, like Comcast (NSDQ: CMCSA) or Time Warner (NYSE: TWX), would be able to control content distribution, or even promote their services over another. But now, the counter-argument is starting to pick up steam.

The matter will likely become a political one quickly, and will test incoming president Barack Obama on the subject. The WSJ said the issue could regain momentum quickly. It recalled that in approving AT&T's 2006 acquisition of Bell South, the FCC made AT&T agree to shelve plans for a "fast lane," or tiered service, for 30 months; that expires in the middle of next year. Plus, a Democratic lawmaker has already promised new network-neutrality legislation early in 2009, and a new chairman of the FCC could take a stricter position on enforcement. It appears the only thing holding Google back from signing a deal is the government's threat. One major cable operator, who is in talks with Google, told the WSJ: "If we did this, Washington would be on fire."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/15/AR2008121500111.html

[lligrd]

1. Altavista is what I stll use nt

[RepublicanElephant]

2. but who is you internet service provider?

these are the guys who will establish "pay to play" rules for advertisers, webmasters and everyone else... if they kill net neutrality.

[Syrinx]

3. isn't their company motto "do no evil?" n/t