Google launches defence of net neutrality pitch

Google has come in for heavy criticism over its net neutrality policies

Google has launched a robust defence of its net neutrality policy issued on Tuesday with Verizon.

Richard Whitt, Google's Washington telecoms and media counsel, outlined in an 1,100 word blog post the six key myths that Google believes are being used against the firm.

Among these is that Google has "sold out on network neutrality", but Whitt argued that "no other company is working as tirelessly for an open internet".

He then goes on to explain why Google has sought to create a network policy with Verizon, citing political imperatives as the key motivator.

"Given political realities, this particular issue has been intractable in Washington for several years now. At this time there are no enforceable protections against even the worst forms of carrier discrimination against internet traffic," he said.

"With that in mind, we decided to partner with a major broadband provider on the best policy solution we could devise together."

Whitt also rubbished claims that Google and Verizon had collaborated on the deal because of their partnership with the Android platform which could see a new tablet device in the coming months.

"This is a policy proposal, not a business deal. Of course, Google has a close business relationship with Verizon, but ultimately this proposal has nothing to do with Android," he said.

Whitt addressed concerns over the exclusion of wireless carriers from the Legislative Framework Proposal, denying that it would "eliminate network neutrality over wireless".