Google, Verison, Net Neutrality, and YOU

[ZenDog]

What follows is an article from the New York Times - pay close attention now, or pay later . . .

Google and Verizon Near Deal on Web Pay Tiers

By EDWARD WYATT
Published: August 4, 2010

WASHINGTON — Google and Verizon, two leading players in Internet service and content, are nearing an agreement that could allow Verizon to speed some online content to Internet users more quickly if the content’s creators are willing to pay for the privilege.

The charges could be paid by companies, like YouTube, owned by Google, for example, to Verizon, one of the nation’s leading Internet service providers, to ensure that its content received priority as it made its way to consumers. The agreement could eventually lead to higher charges for Internet users.

Such an agreement could overthrow a once-sacred tenet of Internet policy known as net neutrality, in which no form of content is favored over another. In its place, consumers could soon see a new, tiered system, which, like cable television, imposes higher costs for premium levels of service.

Any agreement between Verizon and Google could also upend the efforts of the Federal Communications Commission to assert its authority over broadband service, which was severely restricted by a federal appeals court decision in April.

People close to the negotiations who were not authorized to speak publicly about them said an agreement could be reached as soon as next week. If completed, Google, whose Android operating system powers many Verizon wireless phones, would agree not to challenge Verizon’s ability to manage its broadband Internet network as it pleased.

Story Continues here

Sign the Petition and REVOLT

REVOLT I SAY!

[ZenDog]

You have first hand knowledge of this, as a fact, and not mere rumor . . .

[Dallas]

Who cares? The new thing is "actual reality", a vast improvement over virtual reality. It's all the rage with those who have friends, families and social lives.

In this rapidly-spreading trend, people experience things firsthand. Adherents report having conversations with friends at dinner, building model airplanes with kids, and even holding hands with their spouses.

There have been many instances where adults have begun walking, swimming and playing sports of all kinds.