The concept of net neutrality is that the internet should remain free and open to all. So if 2 given users pay for a certain level of internet access, then these users should be able to connect to each other at the subscribed level of access.

Google and Verizon have released a joint public policy proposal for the open internet detailing how broadband providers can govern how their consumers receive content over the internet.

Why? Currently, a lack of broadband competition gives the providers a reason and ability to discriminate against web-based applications and content providers violating the basic design principles of the “end-to-end” internet: openness, transparency, and user choice and control. Most internet users in established countries receive broadband service from either, a phone company or a cable company, but a large number of people in less developed countries only have one or no choice at all!

The proposal, announced earlier this week by the companies’ CEOs in a conference call, is meant as a legal framework. It intends to please consumers who want to choose what they access on the Internet and how they access it. It would ensure that no internet traffic of any kind is prioritized over any other kind (with the exception of viruses, spam and the like).

The joint proposal is said to safeguard net neutrality. The policy states that “The FCC would also monitor the development of these services to make sure they don’t interfere with the continued development of internet access services.

Here’s hoping that this proposal doesn’t follow the cable TV model by offering a basic service for $X, but putting all the content that everyone wants into the ‘premium plans’, where it can be accessed, but only for a price!

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