Is net neutrality going the way of the dodo?

UPDATE: Jon Rexeisen points out in the comments that Google responded via Twitter about the Times story.

Did the The New York Times‘ report yesterday on the deal Google and Verizon are trying to make regarding web pay tiers have you feeling a little icky? If you missed it, here’s the lead:

Google and Verizon, two leading players in Internet service and content, are nearing an agreement that could allow Verizon to speed some online content to Internet users more quickly if the content’s creators are willing to pay for the privilege.

Feels kind of not right, doesn’t it? This editorial by MN Senator Al Franken explains simply how net neutrality is a free speech issue guaranteed by the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

“Net neutrality” sounds arcane, but it’s fundamental to free speech. The internet today is an open marketplace. If you have a product, you can sell it. If you have an opinion, you can blog about it. If you have an idea, you can share it with the world.

And no matter who you are — a corporation selling a new widget, a senator making a political argument or just a Minnesotan sharing a funny cat video — you have equal access to that marketplace.

It’s going to be interesting to see how this deal shakes out and who will take up the fight for the people/organizations/businesses who cannot afford the privilege of having speedy delivery of their ideas and products.