Google Battles Broadband Provider Fee

Iria · Feb 8, 2006, 07:10 PM

WASHINGTON Feb 8, 2006 (AP)— Internet giant Google said Tuesday that the wide variety of Web sites might shrink if broadband providers like AT&T start charging companies for premium access to high-speed networks.

The Bell companies promised members of the Senate Commerce Committee that they have no plans to block Internet services. Lawmakers are considering legislation to guarantee consumers open access to the Internet a notion those in the industry refer to as "net neutrality."

AT&T Inc. and BellSouth Corp. in particular have suggested charging Internet services such as Google Inc., Yahoo Inc. and Vonage Holdings Corp. for the high-quality delivery of their content over the phone companies' networks. The phone companies say they're investing billions of dollars upgrading their broadband networks and should be able to recoup that cost.
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Read More / Source: ABC News

Feb 8, 2006, 07:10 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Google Battles Broadband Provider Fee WASHINGTON Feb 8, 2006 (AP)— Internet giant Google said Tuesday that the wide variety of Web sites might shrink if broadband providers like AT&T start charging companies for premium access to high-speed networks. The Bell companies promised members of the Senate Commerce Committee that they have no plans to block Internet services. Lawmakers are considering legislation to guarantee consumers open access to the Internet a notion those in the industry refer to as "net neutrality." AT&T Inc. and BellSouth Corp. in particular have suggested charging Internet services such as Google Inc., Yahoo Inc. and Vonage Holdings Corp. for the high-quality delivery of their content over the phone companies' networks. The phone companies say they're investing billions of dollars upgrading their broadband networks and should be able to recoup that cost. __________ Read More / Source: ABC News