Google Responds To Net Neutrality Reviews 265
I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "Google has written a defense of their joint Net Neutrality proposal with Verizon, responding to criticism like the EFF's recent review. Google presents its arguments as a list of myths and facts, but too many of them look like this one: 'MYTH: This proposal would eliminate network neutrality over wireless. FACT: It's true that Google previously has advocated for certain openness safeguards to be applied in a similar fashion to what would be applied to wireline services. However, in the spirit of compromise, we have agreed to a proposal that allows this market to remain free from regulation for now, while Congress keeps a watchful eye. Why? First, the wireless market is more competitive than the wireline market, given that consumers typically have more than just two providers to choose from. Second, because wireless networks employ airwaves, rather than wires, and share constrained capacity among many users, these carriers need to manage their networks more actively. Third, network and device openness is now beginning to take off as a significant business model in this space.'"
In other words (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Who is responsible for limiting my cable choice (Score:4, Informative)
Most places have a cable franchise agreement. Depending on where you live, this could be done at the town, region, city, or even state level. There's likely a "cable advisory board" or something similar... I served on one when living in Connecticut. If you're a cable customer your bill should include information about that group. If not, maybe just browse your local government website looking for that sort of information.
Be aware, though, that even when you contact them there's probably nothing they can do. Franchise agreements only come up for renewal every so often. If you're still in that area when it's up for renewal you'll have more luck, but that might just mean you'll be dealing with a new provider, not an additional one.
Re:competitive? (Score:2, Informative)
You can pick amongst half a dozen wireless providers who all somehow have the exact same pricing scheme
You are lying or misinformed. Verizon offers you "friends and family". AT&T offers rollover. Sprint offers 7pm nights and weekends. T-Mobile offers the cheapest plans in town. Those are just the big four carriers and the unique features that I can remember off the top of my head. The regional carriers all have different price plans, depending on what kind of service you need.
Re:Credit Google for Being Open (Score:2, Informative)
we have agreed to a proposal that allows this market to remain free from regulation for now
Re:Programmers Humour (Score:1, Informative)
The phrase is "Don't be evil", and it's not their motto anyway.