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Google Seeks Special Online 'Fast Lane'

Dumps 'Net neutrality' support; wants preferred treatment

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Dec 15, 2008 2:20 AM CST

(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.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (2)]

"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. (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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Google Seeks Special Online 'Fast Lane'