Net Neutrality Questions

What if?

Customer

Lamps for Less

LuxuriousLumination

Telephone Company

Welcome to lamps[click]

[dial tone]

Welcome to Luxurious

Lumination. May I take your order,

please?

Broadband

Customer

Videos for More

ISPVideos for Less

Sorry, technical

difficulties

Welcome to Videos for

More

Can the FCC ban this?

Court: Not now.

Broadband

Customer

Videos for More

ISPVideos for Less

Sorry, technical

difficulties

Should the FCC be able to ban this?

Industry: No. Trust us.

Verizon-Google Legislative Framework Proposal

Non-Discrimination Requirement

In providing broadband Internet access service, a provider would be prohibited from engaging in undue discrimination against any lawful Internet content, application, or service in a manner that causes meaningful harm to competition or to users. Prioritization of Internet traffic would be presumed inconsistent with the nondiscrimination standard, but the presumption could be rebutted.

Verizon-Google Legislative Framework Proposal

Transparency

Providers of broadband Internet access service would be required to disclose accurate and relevant information in plain language about the characteristics and capabilities of their offerings, their broadband network management, and other practices necessary for consumers and other users to make informed choices. Comcast: “We’re not blocking any access to

any application, and we don’t throttle any traffic.”

Verizon-Google Legislative Framework Proposal

Network Management

Broadband Internet access service providers are permitted to engage in reasonable network management. Reasonable network management includes any technically sound practice ... to prioritize general classes or types of Internet traffic, based on latency...

Verizon-Google Legislative Framework Proposal

Additional Online Services

A provider that offers a broadband Internet access service complying with the above principles could offer any other additional or differentiated services. Such other services would have to be distinguishable in scope and purpose from broadband Internet access service, but could make use of or access Internet content, applications or services and could include traffic prioritization.

Verizon-Google Legislative Framework Proposal

Wireless Broadband

Because of the unique technical and operational characteristics of wireless networks, and the competitive and still-developing nature of wireless broadband services, only the transparency principle would apply to wireless broadband at this time. ...

Verizon-Google Legislative Framework Proposal

Regulatory Authority

The FCC would have exclusive authority to oversee broadband Internet access service, but would not have authority over Internet software applications, content or services. Regulatory authorities would not be permitted to regulate Internet access service.

No power for local PUC?

Verizon-Google Legislative Framework Proposal

Broadband Access for Americans

...The FCC would be required to complete intercarrier compensation reform within 12 months. Broadband Internet access service and traffic or services using Internet protocol would be considered exclusively interstate in nature. ...

Industry Response to Verizon-Google Proposal

“[Telecommunications Industry Association ] appreciates the efforts of Verizon and Google in proposing a legislative framework for Internet policy. We believe this is a step in the right direction towards consensus and a possible solution to the uncertainty created by the Comcast decision. The Verizon and Google announcement rightly addressed important issues such as the need for network management, recognizing that a managed network is necessary to ensure reliable broadband service. We look forward to continuing to work with all parties to help define a policy that will promote investment, innovation and access to broadband and broadband-enabled technologies for all Americans, without negatively affecting job growth and the economy.”