Facebook slams Google-Verizon proposal

NEW YORK, USA: Responding to the proposal by Google and Verizon on net neutrality, social networking major Facebook said that it does not agree with the deal. Objecting to the proposals, Facebook said that it supports principles of Net neutrality for both landline and wireless networks.

“Preserving an open Internet that is accessible to innovators — regardless of their size or wealth — will promote a vibrant and competitive marketplace where consumers have ultimate control over the content and services delivered through their Internet connections,” Facebook spokesman Andrew Noyes said in a statement.

Verizon and Google said on Monday that regulators should be able to police Web traffic over cable and telephone lines, but carriers should control the speed of access to content on wireless devices. Under the deal, Verizon would not block or slow Internet traffic over land lines, but could do so to wireless devices, according to a Reuters report.

Net neutrality is the idea that all web traffic, from video to email and beyond, should be treated equally — as is the case now. Critics are of the view that the proposal by Google and Verizon goes against this principle.

On the other hand, the service providers argue that they want to provide innovative services but say they need the public to pay for them if they are to be economically viable.

Referring to the proposal, which might impinge on the concept of treating all Internet traffic equally, U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski had said that "any outcome, any deal that doesn't preserve the freedom and openness of the Internet for consumers and entrepreneurs will be unacceptable”.

Decisions about net neutrality rest with the FCC and legislators