I came across this piece on the Networking Pipeline blog (thanks to this entry on Techdirt).
Google’s {PR Spokesperson] Barry Schnitt told Paul in an email: “Google is not discussing sharing of the costs of broadband networks with any carrier. We believe consumers are already paying to support broadband access to the Internet through subscription fees and, as a result, consumers should have the freedom to use this connection without limitations.”
It’s great to finally here some (muted) response from the other side of the argument over network neutrality. Of course sending a big “F you!” to the Bell companies doesn’t mean anything if you can’t play the regulatory game the same way that they do.
On a somewhat related topic, I’m very slowly making my way through the second draft of the telecom bill, which was released way back in November. The legal language has holes wide enough to accommodate a speeding semi tractor-trailer and ensure that Internet content and service companies will be in litigation with Bell and Cable companies for at least a decade after the bill actually passes (if it passes in anything like its current form).
