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谷
歌(Google Inc.)和宽带服务提供商之一Verizon Communications Inc.周一呼吁监管者对多数网络流量一视同仁,同时还表示,手机网络和尚在完善中的宽带服务应该不受这样的限制。
这是谷歌和Verizon提议的概括要点,与美国联邦通信委员会(Federal Communications Commission)近期就“网络中立”规则的提案截然相反,后者将阻止企业优先处理某些类型的在线流量。
对谷歌而言,该提议赞同两层互联网服务且不干预手机网络服务,这意味着与许多其他在线公司的决裂,在如何对待网络流量方面赞成严格的中立态度。谷歌此前表示支持禁止歧视不同形式的网络流量的规则。
两家共同提议“网络中立”不涵盖无线服务,是Verizon等宽带服务提供商的重大胜利,Verizon曾表示,对于这些服务的过度监管将抑制他们的投资。
手机的互联网接入越来越成为电讯企业的重要获利中心,因为更多消费者接受了诸如iPhone这样的智能手机和基于谷歌Android软件的手机等移动式的上网工具。
一些维权消费者权益人士猛烈抨击了这一提议,指称这将导致像有线电视系统一样的私有、封闭的宽带网络,与当前任何人可以建立网站或提供在线服务的开放式网络不同。
谷歌和Verizon认为他们的原则声明是一项立法提案,更准确的说,是将在互联网未来发展规则制定方面影响华盛顿辩论的引人瞩目的努力,美国国会尚未认真开始这一讨论。
谷歌和Verizon的联合声明还指向美国联邦通信委员会,后者提议将原本旨在确保固定电话自由流动的规则用于宽带服务上。
上周美国联邦通信委员会突然取消了与业界说客的闭门会谈,会谈旨在就网络中立达成妥协。熟悉这一磋商的人士说,关于Verizon-谷歌协议的消息被认为是取消会谈的一个原因。
美国联邦通信委员会主席格纳考斯基(Julius Genachowski)的女发言人周一拒绝就谷歌-Verizon提议发表评论。
Google Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. on Monday called for equal treatment of most Internet traffic while at the same time said cellular networks and yet-to-be-developed broadband services should be exempt from such restrictions.
The ideas outlined in the proposal put forth by the Internet search giant and one of the largest broadband providers stand in contrast to the Federal Communications Commission's recent proposals on 'net neutrality' rules, which would prevent companies from giving preferential handling to certain types of online traffic.
In Google's case, the proposal's endorsements of two-tier Internet service and a hands-off approach to cellular-based Web services represent a break with many other online companies, which have argued for strict neutrality in how Internet traffic is treated. Google itself previously expressed general support for rules prohibiting discrimination among forms of Web traffic.
The joint endorsement of exempting wireless services from net neutrality is a significant victory for cellular broadband providers such as Verizon, which have said that excessive regulation of those services would stifle their investments.
Cellular Internet access is becoming an increasingly important profit center for telecommunications companies as more consumers adopt mobile Web tools such as smart phones like the iPhone and phones based on Google's Android software.
Some consumer advocates slammed the proposal, saying it could result in the creation of private, closed broadband networks akin to cable TV systems, as opposed to today's open Internet in which anyone can create a website or online service.
Google and Verizon called their statement of principles a legislative proposal. More precisely, it is a high-profile effort to influence a debate in Washington over the future rules of the road for the Internet -- a debate that Congress has yet to begin in earnest.
The Google-Verizon statement is also aimed at the FCC, which has proposed applying to broadband services the rules originally designed to ensure the free flow of calls over telephone lines.
Last week, the FCC abruptly called off closed-door talks with industry lobbyists that were aimed at reaching a compromise on net neutrality. News of the impending Verizon-Google agreement was cited as a reason for abandoning the talks, said people familiar with the negotiations.
A spokeswoman for FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski declined to comment Monday on the Google-Verizon proposal.
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