Groups slam Verizon for blocking Google app, say tougher net neutrality needed

Two consumer advocacy groups slammed Verizon for reportedly blocking a mobile application developed by Google, saying the incident shows that the government needs to adopt tougher regulations of wireless Internet providers. Verizon, which plans to offer its own mobile payment service, says it is still in negotiations with Google over the app. Consumer advocacy groups Public Knowledge and Free Press said blocking the app will hurt competition and consumers.

"Verizon shows no hesitation in using its gatekeeper position over its subscribers to restrict or block applications that compete with its own offerings," Matt Wood, policy director for Free Press, said. "Verizon's actions restrict consumer choice, stifle competition and kill innovation." Harold Feld, legal director of Public Knowledge, said the possibilities for "anti-competitive, anti-consumer behavior are fairly obvious." He said the FCC could have prevented Verizon's actions with tougher network neutrality rules. “It is unfortunate that the Federal Communications Commission chose to give wireless Internet access a second-class status to becoming an open network," he said. “Today’s dispute between Google and Verizon is just the type of situation that likely would not happen if it were clear that a firm ‘no discrimination’ standard were in effect for wireless services."