A Google-Verizon Truce On Internet Regulation?

James Gattuso / August 05, 2010

Google and Verizon, two of the leading antagonists in the long-running drama over FCC net neutrality regulation, may be about to call a truce.   According to numerous media reports, the two firms have or will soon agree to a compromise framework for regulation, which would provide for a limited degree of regulation by the FCC.

The exact provisions of the compromise are unclear.   Reportedly, however, the plan would ban Internet access providers such as Verizon from blocking content outright, while allowing them to offer prioritized service for a fee.   The provisions would not apply to wireless Internet access, which would be kept mostly free of regulation.

While Google and Verizon have long been adversaries on this issue, it’s been no secret that the two have been working together to craft out common ground.   The two in fact, filed joint comments in the FCC’s rulemaking on the issue earlier this year, and the CEOs of the two firms even jointly authored a Wall Street Journal op-ed on broadband policy. (more…)