Google and Verizon, two leading players in Internet service and content, are nearing an agreement that could allow Verizon to speed some online content to Internet users more quickly if the content’s creators are willing to pay for the privilege. ...
...The agreement could eventually lead to higher charges for Internet users.
Such an agreement could overthrow a once-sacred tenet of Internet policy known as net neutrality, in which no form of content is favored over another. In its place, consumers could soon see a new, tiered system, which, like cable television, imposes higher costs for premium levels of service.Any agreement between Verizon and Google could also upend the efforts of the Federal Communications Commission to assert its authority over broadband service, which was severely restricted by a federal appeals court decision in April. ...NYT
Again it looks as though corporations are enjoying their growing muscle and political heft over individual liberty. We need to acknowledge this and fight it while understanding that one conservative sector, blind to the problem, continues to believe the greater threat comes from "big government." I'd listen to 'em if they could show me any clear boundary lines that remain between "government" and "corporate America."
