[opendtv] The Verizon and Google joint policy proposal
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:09:03 -0500
I'm trying to figure out what they are really wanting to do.
As far as I can tell, they want to have a way of separating out their special
offerings, like TV programming for instance, from the open and neutral
broadband access. They want to apply the same net neutrality principles to
wireless, but somehow MINUS the transparency requirement. So, wireless monthly
bills should be allowed to be more obscure, presumably. And they want their
universal service burdens to be shared by cablecos and presumably anyone else
providing broadband access service.
All in there, along with the other stuff that no consumer could possibly argue
against.
Bert
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http://googlepublicpolicy.blogspot.com/2010/08/joint-policy-proposal-for-open-internet.html
A joint policy proposal for an open Internet
Monday, August 9, 2010 at 1:38 PM ET
Posted by Alan Davidson, Google director of public policy and Tom Tauke,
Verizon executive vice president of public affairs, policy, and communications
The original architects of the Internet got the big things right. By making the
network open, they enabled the greatest exchange of ideas in history. By making
the Internet scalable, they enabled explosive innovation in the infrastructure.
It is imperative that we find ways to protect the future openness of the
Internet and encourage the rapid deployment of broadband. Verizon and Google
are pleased to discuss the principled compromise our companies have developed
over the last year concerning the thorny issue of "network neutrality."
In October, our two companies issued a shared statement of principles on
network neutrality. A few months later we submitted a joint filing to the FCC,
and in an April joint op-ed our CEOs discussed their common interest in an open
Internet. Since that time, we have listened to all sides of the debate, engaged
in good faith with policy makers in multiple venues, and challenged each other
to craft a balanced policy framework. We have been guided by the two main goals:
1. Users should choose what content, applications, or devices they use,
since openness has been central to the explosive innovation that has made the
Internet a transformative medium.
2. America must continue to encourage both investment and innovation to
support the underlying broadband infrastructure; it is imperative for our
global competitiveness.
Today our CEOs will announce a proposal that we hope will make a constructive
contribution to the dialogue. Our joint proposal takes the form of a suggested
legislative framework for consideration by lawmakers, and is laid out here.
Below we discuss the seven key elements:
First, both companies have long been proponents of the FCC's current wireline
broadband openness principles, which ensure that consumers have access to all
legal content on the Internet, and can use what applications, services, and
devices they choose. The enforceability of those principles was called into
serious question by the recent Comcast court decision. Our proposal would now
make those principles fully enforceable at the FCC.
Second, we agree that in addition to these existing principles there should be
a new, enforceable prohibition against discriminatory practices. This means
that for the first time, wireline broadband providers would not be able to
discriminate against or prioritize lawful Internet content, applications or
services in a way that causes harm to users or competition.
Importantly, this new nondiscrimination principle includes a presumption
against prioritization of Internet traffic - including paid prioritization. So,
in addition to not blocking or degrading of Internet content and applications,
wireline broadband providers also could not favor particular Internet traffic
over other traffic.
Third, it's important that the consumer be fully informed about their Internet
experiences. Our proposal would create enforceable transparency rules, for both
wireline and wireless services. Broadband providers would be required to give
consumers clear, understandable information about the services they offer and
their capabilities. Broadband providers would also provide to application and
content providers information about network management practices and any other
information they need to ensure that they can reach consumers.
Fourth, because of the confusion about the FCC's authority following the
Comcast court decision, our proposal spells out the FCC's role and authority in
the broadband space. In addition to creating enforceable consumer protection
and nondiscrimination standards that go beyond the FCC's preexisting consumer
safeguards, the proposal also provides for a new enforcement mechanism for the
FCC to use. Specifically, the FCC would enforce these openness policies on a
case-by-case basis, using a complaint-driven process. The FCC could move
swiftly to stop a practice that violates these safeguards, and it could impose
a penalty of up to $2 million on bad actors.
Fifth, we want the broadband infrastructure to be a platform for innovation.
Therefore, our proposal would allow broadband providers to offer additional,
differentiated online services, in addition to the Internet access and video
services (such as Verizon's FIOS TV) offered today. This means that broadband
providers can work with other players to develop new services. It is too soon
to predict how these new services will develop, but examples might include
health care monitoring, the smart grid, advanced educational services, or new
entertainment and gaming options. Our proposal also includes safeguards to
ensure that such online services must be distinguishable from traditional
broadband Internet access services and are not designed to circumvent the
rules. The FCC would also monitor the development of these services to make
sure they don't interfere with the continued development of Internet access
services.
Sixth, we both recognize that wireless broadband is different from the
traditional wireline world, in part because the mobile marketplace is more
competitive and changing rapidly. In recognition of the still-nascent nature of
the wireless broadband marketplace, under this proposal we would not now apply
most of the wireline principles to wireless, except for the transparency
requirement. In addition, the Government Accountability Office would be
required to report to Congress annually on developments in the wireless
broadband marketplace, and whether or not current policies are working to
protect consumers.
Seventh, and finally, we strongly believe that it is in the national interest
for all Americans to have broadband access to the Internet. Therefore, we
support reform of the Federal Universal Service Fund, so that it is focused on
deploying broadband in areas where it is not now available.
We believe this policy framework properly empowers consumers and gives the FCC
a role carefully tailored for the new world of broadband, while also allowing
broadband providers the flexibility to manage their networks and provide new
types of online services.
Ultimately, we think this proposal provides the certainty that allows both web
startups to bring their novel ideas to users, and broadband providers to invest
in their networks.
Crafting a compromise proposal has not been an easy process, and we have
certainly had our differences along the way. But what has kept us moving
forward is our mutual interest in a healthy and growing Internet that can
continue to be a laboratory for innovation. As policy makers continue to
formulate the rules of the road, we hope that other stakeholders will join with
us in providing constructive ideas for an open Internet policy that puts
consumers in charge and enhances America's leadership in the broadband world.
We stand ready to work with the Congress, the FCC and all interested parties to
do just that.
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