Net neutrality, once an issue that Google was vocal about, seems to be a battle the company has no time for anymore.
Facebook seems to have thrown in the towel as well. Startups may have to take up the battle with legislators to keep Internet service equal for all.
ISPs are in a position to charge customers more based on a tiered system that gives premium customers "fast lane" access, but activists and tech companies have spoken out against this. However, according to reports, Google, one of the more adamant on the issue, has not sent a single lobbyist to Washington, D.C., to fight out the issue.
Federal Communications Commission records show this to be the case, according to the recent news. Comcast, AT&T and Verizon are among the companies that seek to charge more for providing premium Internet service, though these companies also own content themselves. Critics argue they could give preferential treatment to their own sites and services, while slowing up others.
Other reports state that Google has been "quiet" on the issue recently, possibly signaling a different attitude than previously. Facebook was reportedly more open on the issue, responding to reporters' inquiries.
"Facebook has always been supportive of net neutrality principles and committed to advancing a free and open Internet," the company told the press in an email. "[Facebook] will continue to work with others in the industry to ensure adoption of rules that will protect the open Internet."
It was noted in a recent report that Google, eight years ago, ran several ads urging users to get politically involved to avert the "threat" to the Internet. Co-founder Sergey Brin even visited Washington to lobby Congress and try to get equal access to all.
Startups have the most to lose out on because costs will hinder them from innovating on the Internet front.
It seems that the only companies that are against net neutrality are the ISPs.
However, Google, a company that started in a garage in California, made $60 billion in revenue last year. Analysts believe it doesn't have as much incentive to fight, compared with current startups.
The FCCs handling of the situation has gptten mixed reviews, but most argue that the agency may give the ISPs more power, particularly after a court ruled that the FCC failed to claim the proper authority, reports indicate.
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler proposed allowing "fast lane" tiers in May. There will be a final vote this year. The agency is allowing comments until July 15 and again in September.
