Google denies deal to end net neutrality

Google has denied it’s in talks with US telecoms company Verizon over an agreement that could end internet neutrality.

Speculation has been rife since The New York Times published a story yesterday stating the two compainies were “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 idea is that content providers that require heavy bandwidth must pay a charge to an internet service provider in return for their content to be fast-tracked to consumers. It would also mean internet users pay more for premium services from ISPs.

Under the current system of internet neutrality, any one packet of data is given an equal right to bandwidth.

However, a Google spokesman said, “We still believe in net neutrality; no agreement has been announced. The papers that reported it are wrong.”

Google had been holding talks with US internet providers AT&T, Verizon and ComCast to establish a deal to secure internet neutrality.

In June, regulator Ofcom opened a consultation to establish how the UK should deal with the issue of internet neutrality.

This story first appeared on newmediaage.co.uk