Facebook at Odds with Google, Verizon on Net Neutrality
Facebook Wednesday took issue with Google and Verizon’s (VZ) proposal to exempt cellular networks from rules that would ensure equal treatment of Internet traffic, saying the social-networking giant supports equal treatment on “both landline and wireless networks.”
The comments from Facebook are the latest criticisms leveled at the Google (GOOG)-Verizon (VZ) proposal from the technology world. Soon after the companies announced the plan on Monday, some consumer advocates derided the proposal because of its two big exemptions: mobile networks and new, as-yet-undeveloped services that weren’t specified.
Facebook has long been a proponent of what’s known as “net neutrality” — the idea that Internet providers such as phone and cable companies should not deliberately slow or block Internet sites or services such as Facebook and Google. The latest statement is consistent with earlier remarks from the Facebook camp, including a letter signed in October by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. But coming after the Google-Verizon announcement, the emphasis on wireless networks makes it clear that the proposal from the tech giants might not be an easy sell among other Internet companies.
