Google reminds Verizon of network neutrality differences
Google and Verizon became unlikely allies of sorts when they found some "common ground" in the network neutrality debate. But Google's head telecom counsel, Rick Whitt, pointed out some key differences that remain in the companies' views toward the controversial issue. Verizon argues that, in the "Internet ecosystem," all parts should be treated the same. Google disagrees.
First, treating some parts of an ecosystem different from other parts is not a "recipe for disaster;" it is just plain common sense. One of the main characteristics of an ecosystem is its rich diversity; from flora to fauna, carnivores to vegetarians. In the context of the Internet, there is also admirable diversity between network providers and content providers -- those who employ atoms and those who employ bits -- as embodied in corporations of all shapes and sizes, individual users, non-profit groups, and of course the government.??However, while each entity occupies a niche in the ecosystem, no two niches are the same.
Second, Whitt took issue with the suggestion that economic systems are inherently self-regulating, with little to no need for any "outside" influence. This sounds like a modern version of Adam Smith's famous "invisible hand" of the market. As the global financial disasters of the last several years have amply demonstrated, however, the more extreme version of this image simply is not true. No economic system is completely self-regulating. We need human-made institutions -- laws, regulations, standards, norms -- to make economic systems function properly. Without the fundamental trust and equity brought about by property laws, contract rights, labor laws, and consumer safeguards, the "free market" cannot hope to survive.