Google / Verizon Deny an End to Net Neutrality

Both Google and Verizon have stepped up to deny a New York Times story that reported the two were close to a deal that would effectively end the concept of net neutrality. The NYT report said the deal could be completed as soon as next week.

The New York Times report said that Google and Verizon 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." That, in effect, would be contrary to the concept of net neutrality, in which all traffic is treated the same regardless of its origination.

Verizon issued a statement on the matter. The company stated the following, in a short statement:

The NYT article regarding conversations between Google and Verizon is mistaken. It fundamentally misunderstands our purpose. As we said in our earlier FCC filing, our goal is an Internet policy framework that ensures openness and accountability, and incorporates specific FCC authority, while maintaining investment and innovation. To suggest this is a business arrangement between our companies is entirely incorrect.

Google said the following:

The New York Times is quite simply wrong. We have not had any conversations with Verizon about paying for carriage of Google traffic. We remain as committed as we always have been to an open internet.

Google also tweeted:

@NYTimes is wrong. We've not had any convos with VZN about paying for carriage of our traffic. We remain committed to an open internet.

It's obvious from the Verizon response that the companies are talking. It seems, however, it's not about the end of net neutrality. Perhaps, in fact, they are going to make a positive statement on net neutrality. It's unclear, but Verizon and Google are very close based on the sheer number of Android releases on the Verizon network.

The earlier report shocked people, as Google has always been a strong proponent of net neutrality.