Net Neutrality Is Aimed At Small Firms, Google Says

NET NEUTRALITY IS AIMED AT SMALL FIRMS, GOOGLE SAYS
[SOURCE: Technology Daily 10/31, AUTHOR: ]
A Google executive warned that small businesses would be harmed the most if the federal government fails to guarantee the unencumbered flow of Internet content. "Honestly, Amazon, Yahoo, Microsoft, Google -- companies that we're working with on this issue" -- are best positioned to survive without so-called network neutrality safeguards, Alan Davidson, the Washington counsel for Google, said during remarks here before the Northern Virginia Technology Council. Davidson said deep-pocketed companies could enter agreements with telecommunications carriers to ensure that their content is easily accessible. But Google is "very worried" about the viability of small Internet players, which he said are "a big part of our future revenue stream." He further warned that the "culture of innovation" that has spawned online social networks, wireless Internet access, video-sharing and other trends and technologies could disappear if regulators do not take steps to ensure equal treatment of similar broadband content. Businesses can now deploy new services without seeking anyone's permission, Davidson said. But he warned that freedom would be hindered if companies such as AOL Time Warner, AT&T, and Verizon, follow through with plans to charge for premium treatment on the Internet. Speaking later to reporters, Davidson said that if U.S. companies establish premium Internet tiers, companies in other nations would follow suit -- forcing small businesses to cut deals with U.S. and international broadband providers.
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