Are we moving toward an Ultranet? A possible clue is to be found in Google's public statement today on its discussion with the large U.S. telecom Verizon.
In it, Google and Verizon make clear their support for Net neutrality, meaning basic and equitable access for all, lots of transparency for consumers (except in the wireless field, which is moving rapidly and requires a little more secrecy, they feel), and a widening of broadband availability to communities.
But it also suggests that the broadband infrastructure needs to be a "platform for innovation," not necessarily on the same platform we now receive, for such areas as health services, new entertainment and gaming services, and a so-called "smart grid."
Google and Verizon indicate they want the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to keep close tabs on this "differentiated Internet" proposal. Still, it's the first indication (apart from a New York Times story last week, denied in part) that another layer of digital access and service might be pursued.
In it, Google and Verizon make clear their support for Net neutrality, meaning basic and equitable access for all, lots of transparency for consumers (except in the wireless field, which is moving rapidly and requires a little more secrecy, they feel), and a widening of broadband availability to communities.
But it also suggests that the broadband infrastructure needs to be a "platform for innovation," not necessarily on the same platform we now receive, for such areas as health services, new entertainment and gaming services, and a so-called "smart grid."
Google and Verizon indicate they want the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to keep close tabs on this "differentiated Internet" proposal. Still, it's the first indication (apart from a New York Times story last week, denied in part) that another layer of digital access and service might be pursued.
