Google, Verizon Seek Common Ground

Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam wrote a post on the companies' policy blogs detailing the Internet and innovation areas they agree upon. To wit, 1) The Internet revolution has been people powered from the very beginning, and should remain so. The minute that anyone, whether from government or the private sector, starts to control how people use the Internet, it is the beginning of the end. 2) Advanced and open networks are essential to the future development of the Web. Policies that continue to provide incentives for investment and innovation are a vital part of the debate we are now beginning. 3) The FCC's existing wireline broadband principles make clear that users are in charge of all aspects of their Internet experience--from access to apps and content. So we think it makes sense for the Commission to establish that these existing principles are enforceable, and implement them on a case-by-case basis. 4) Kumbaya my lord, kumbaya.