Would Verizon's "Sponsored Data" plans violate Net Neutrality? [telecom]

open original image

Jeff Ward-Baile The Christian Science Monitor

Verizon's 'sponsored data' program would allow wireless customers to access some services without counting against their monthly data caps, so long as those companies pay Verizon. But net neutrality advocates say this gives deep-pocketed companies an unfair advantage.

When you watch a video, listen to an album, or visit a website on a 3G or 4G network, you use up a little bit of your mobile data allotment - except when you don't. A few wireless companies, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and now Verizon, have been experimenting with special "Sponsored" plans in which certain services - such as Netflix or Spotify - wouldn't count against customers' monthly data caps.