Verizon and Google announced a proposal for net neutrality rules in the US. The proposed legislation centres on ensuring non-discriminatory access for web services over broadband networks, for the moment extending only to fixed and not mobile networks. The two companies would like to see the FCC receive the power to enforce its current rules on broadband openness as well as the ability to take action against providers that discriminate for or against certain types of traffic on their networks. Enforcement would be led by complaints from the market, with the FCC getting the power to issue fines of up to USD 2 million against infringers. The companies also want requirements on broadband providers to be more transparent on how they manage their services and networks; these principles would extend also to mobile providers. The Government Accountability Office would regularly assess progress in the mobile broadband market to see if the other rules should be extended to wireless. Verizon and Google also included their support for the development of new broadband-based services, which could be exempt from some of the above requirements, and for a reform of the universal service fund to increase access to broadband. The announcement comes as the FCC considers extending some of the stricter Title II telecom operator regulations to ISPs. The FCC attempted to negotiate a deal on this with industry players and public interest groups but was unable to reach an agreement. The Google-Verizon proposal was criticised by public interest groups, in particular for leaving out the mobile industry and for reducing the FCC's room for manoeuvre.
