Skip to main content

Google and Verizon Ink Net Neutrality Deal?

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Although neither company has officially confirmed anything, reports in the Washington Post, Bloomberg, and other outlets have Internet giant Google and telecommunications operator Verizon striking a deal on how to manage broadband traffic—the issue at the heart of the “net neutrality” debate. According to press reports and partially confirmed with sources in both companies, the agreement would prevent Verizon from giving preferential treatment to applications or content providers on its land-based broadband networks, including DSL and fiber services. However, those same non-preferential terms would not apply to mobile services, meaning Verizon would be free to give better network performance to whatever companies and services it liked—or that paid it the most money—and degrade service for applications and companies that don’t play ball.

Neither Google nor Verizon would comment. However, reports have the companies preparing to make a public announcement within a week. Reports have both companies meeting behind closed door with representatives of the Federal Communications Commission. The companies have apparently been working on an agreement for the better part of a year.

Recommended Videos

Google and Verizon have long butted heads of so-called net neutrality provisions. Google has argued that network operators should treat all network traffic equally so long as it is lawful, without giving preference to any particular applications or services—or, conversely, degrading performance for unfavored service. Verizon, conversely, has described Google and other large Internet companies as having a “free lunch” built on top of telco’s physical infrastructure. Google and Verizon also clashed over the 700 Mhz frequency auction that will (eventually) power 4G mobile broadband solutions; at the time, Verizon pledged to adhere to openness rules laid down by the FCC.

Although the details of a possible pact between Google and Verizon are not yet known, any deal that would see Verizon able to give preferential treatment to particular applications and providers in mobile broadband would seem to fly afoul of Verizon’s pledges to maintain openness in its spectrum—an apparent reversal for a company that once promoted itself as permitting “any app, any device.”

Some industry watchers have speculated Verizon is aiming to provide priority managed services for selected applications, particularly related to health care and/or emergency services. However, priority managed services might also be available to others—like, say, Google—to ensure their applications and services always perform well on Verizon mobile networks, where other services might not be so lucky.

Reports of the deal have triggered a round of criticism from net neutrality advocates and public interest groups. “The financial interests of Google appear to have finally trumped its belief in policies to preserve the open Internet,” wrote Free Press president and CEO Josh Silver, in a statement. “A deal with Verizon cements its market power, and could make it more difficult for new app developers and software entrepreneurs to reach consumers.”

Geoff Duncan
Former Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Verizon is shutting down its popular texting app. Here’s why
Verizon banner splashed across iPhone screen.

RCS messaging is the new hotness, and it's so popular that Verizon is shutting down its popular Verizon Messages and Message Plus apps. According to Verizon's FAQ page, the apps are being shut down because the company wants you to have "the best messaging experience."

In other words, now that RCS messaging is readily available between Android and iOS platforms, there's no need for a third-party application to fill in the gap. Verizon says that Google Messages provides an overall better experience, comes preloaded on all Verizon Android devices, and is able to interact with Apple Messages, too.

Read more
These Google Pixel 9 deals are still available but hurry some end today
Google Pixel 9 models lined up in a row -- from Google Store

Today, August 28, marks the last day some of the best Google Pixel 9 deals will be available. For example, you can get excellent value for an old Pixel trade-in, up to $760 back, but only for a limited time.

As I said, that offer ends today along with a whole slew of others. Don't worry, I'm going to call those out for you. If you've been on the fence about upgrading or waiting a little longer, this might be your sign to go for it. These aren't the only deals that are available but they are some of the best ones, especially since a lot of them stack on top of other offers.

Read more
Best Google Pixel Watch 3 preorder deals — Get yours [technically] free
The 45mm and 41mm Google Pixel Watch 3 models next to each other.

If you've been looking through the best smartwatches to come out this year and still feel disappointed, these Google Pixel Watch 3 preorder deals just might be what you're after. Recently opened to the preorder market, Google's Pixel Watch 3 is coming out in early September (you can get yours by the 10th or 11th if you preorder from Google) but you can lock yours in now. While there aren't as many deals as there are Google Pixel 9 preorder deals, there are still some savings and bonuses to be had — including getting the watch for free without data. Tap the button below to get started via Google or keep reading for more information about the current deals, where to shop for the Google Pixel Watch 3, and why we think you'll like it.

PRE-ORDER NOW

Read more