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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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4

Google Seeks Special Online 'Fast Lane'

Dumps 'Net neutrality' support; wants preferred treatment

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(Newser) – Google is quietly negotiating for preferential treatment from Internet providers in an about-face from its staunch support of equal network access for all content providers. The move could spark an industry-wide race for Internet "fast lanes" that would discriminate against less-funded sites and potentially curb users' online choices, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Microsoft and Yahoo have also abandoned their support of the "net neutrality" principle that bars cable and phone companies from allowing individual content suppliers to leapfrog others. The new battle lines are setting the stage for a fight in Washington next year. Barack Obama has pledged to keep the Net as is, arguing that when "smaller voices get squeezed out, we all lose." Internet carriers argue that content companies should help finance upgrades, and that charging for fast lanes could accomplish that.

"If you look at Obama's plans, they are much less specific than they were before," says Google's policy affairs head regarding net neutrality.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Google has been asking Internet providers to give it a fast lane that will deliver its content faster to users.
Google has been asking Internet providers to give it a fast lane that will deliver its content faster to users.   (Shutter stock)
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If we did this, Washington would be on fire. - An executive with a cable company, on the potential Google agreement

It would mean the first part of your business plan would be a deal with AT&T to get into their super-tier — that is anathema to a culture of innovation.
- Ben Scott, policy director of Free Press, an advocacy group

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4 comments
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morenogabr
Dec 15, 08 10:46 AM CST
Bastards, I thought they were on our side. If they get rid of net neutrality, we're in for a huge setback. I think this would be the rough equivalent of these companies buying the internet. Reply
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Snowleopard
Dec 15, 08 2:30 PM CST
What happend to "don't be evil" google? This is going to really hurt small businesses on the web if it becomes segregated like that. Reply
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Snowleopard
Dec 15, 08 2:50 PM CST
Why can't the costs for better lines be covered on the demand side? If the network capacity is being exceeded, cap the download speeds of users, and/or raise prices. Reply
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Zebraone
Dec 15, 08 5:08 PM CST
Google suck a smelly weinie! I hate the thing! Anything that uses 'google', I shitcan!! ~~~~And that includes most dumbass browsers!!~*~*~* I dearly wish the hackers would go after it!! Reply
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