Google, Verizon Deal May Kill Net Neutrality

Google and Verizon are nearing a deal that could spell the end of one-speed-fits-all for Internet service. The firms are said to be on the brink of an agreement under which Verizon could give priority to traffic from content providers who paid for premium treatment. The deal would do away with the "net neutrality" principle and pave the way for premium Internet service packages, the New York Times reports.

Neither firm has commented publicly on the discussions, although insiders tell Bloomberg that a compromise has been reached that will allow Verizon to selectively slow or speed up content over mobile phones while maintaining net neutrality via its wires. Whatever agreement the companies settle on, analysts believe it will be a major influence on the FCC as it struggles to assert its authority to regulate broadband and mandate net neutrality.
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