What we said: ‘Google and Verizon insist that what they’re working on is not a backroom deal for their own benefit but instead a legislative proposal about how Internet content should be managed. All of this may be true – but it still doesn’t look right.’ – Editorial, Aug. 9, 2010

What happened: Google has turned its back on its promise to insist on Internet neutrality – the idea that all Internet traffic should be treated the same. Its just-announced proposal with Verizon would prohibit carriers from discriminating against competitors but allow them to charge websites more for better service. It excludes wireless mobile networks, which means that websites on mobile phones wouldn’t even have safeguards against non-discrimination. Because the two companies are so huge – and because the FCC has been unable to issue its own policy on net neutrality – their proposal will shape the debate.

What’s next: Unless Washington is ready to accept an Internet that only works for the wealthiest and most-established websites, Congress needs to step in with net neutrality legislation. And the Google-Verizon pact isn’t even close. They need to go back to the drawing board and get support from consumer groups and Internet […]