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Between the Lines

Larry Dignan, Andrew Nusca and Rachel King

Google, Verizon CEOs: Why we like the FCC broadband plan

By | March 30, 2010, 10:16am PDT

Summary: The CEOs of Google and Verizon tell WSJ readers why they like the FCC’s National Broadband Plan,

Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg apparently are fans of the FCC’s National Broadband Plan.

The two co-wrote an opinion piece in today’s Wall Street Journal that highlighted the three elements of the plan that they see as most worthy of attention by lawmakers, as well as private businesses.

  • Using the Internet to advance the fields of health care, education, job training and smart electricity are key - but it will take a commitment by government to set the policies that clear the way for advancement.
  • Advancing broadband networks - such as what Google is testing in the form of a ultra high-speed network - will require both private investment and partnerships between governments and private companies.
  • Broadening the reach of broadband to those without access can “help lift society by connecting minds, stimulating ideas, and unleashing the creative potential of millions of Americans.”  The two call the government’s focus on this front “extremely important.”

With that said, neither is looking for government to get too deep into the workings of the Internet, noting that it “has thrived in an environment of minimal regulation.”

It’s funny that companies that “don’t agree on every issue” both note that the one area where they are on the same page is how little government intervention they think there should be.

Also see: National Broadband Plan: Forever in Beta is a good thing

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Sam has been a technology and business blogger for more than 18 years.

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Sam Diaz

Sam Diaz has nothing to disclose.

Biography

Sam Diaz

Sam has been a technology and business blogger, reporter and editor at ZDNet, the Washington Post, San Jose Mercury News and Fresno Bee for more than 18 years. He's a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and a graduate of California State University, Fresno.

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Iphone and Nexus coming to verizon
Been_Done_Before 30th Mar 2010
yay... no related though.. haha just had to say it.

Course they like, its free mon nay
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Oh yeah, sure. Google says
John Zern 30th Mar 2010
they're for it because it can help lift society by connecting minds, stimulating ideas, and unleashing the creative potential of millions of Americans

Why lie? way not just come out and say the real reason they're all for it

help lift our profits by connecting people, to the Internet , and unleashing the profit potential of millions of Americans thru our ads

Sounds more honest
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An issue stuck smack in the middle
Captiosus 30th Mar 2010
This is an issue that is, unfortunately, stuck smack in the middle of our current political divide.

With that said, neither is looking for government to get too deep into the workings of the Internet, noting that it ?has thrived in an environment of minimal regulation.?

Here's the problem with the above:
Most conservatives believe in minimal regulation but also in minimal government involvement. Their idea would be that corporations should be at the forefront of any revolutions in broadband adoption, not the FCC. So they'd get minimal regulation but minimal government assistance.

Most liberals believe in larger government involvement but also larger government regulation and taxation. As I type this, there's currently several initiatives under way to allow States to regulate ISPs as well as charge sales tax on any and all goods purchased via the internet.

I don't think they'll find a situation where they get major government assistance with minimal government regulation.
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Iphone and Nexus coming to verizon
Been_Done_Before 30th Mar 2010
yay... no related though.. haha just had to say it.

Course they like, its free mon nay

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