AT&T Thumbs Nose at Net Neutrality With 'Sponsored' Bandwidth Scheme | Threat Level | Wired.com
Net neutrality is under attackAT&T announced a new scheme today that allows app-makers and websites to pay for the bandwidth you consume using their services — a move digital rights activists say breaches the spirit of net neutrality. AT&T, however, touts the program as a “win-win” for business and consumers. Ralph de la Vega, the company’s chief executive, says applications with a “sponsored data” icon will allow consumers to “know the data related to that particular application or video is provided as part of their monthly service.”Other wireless carriers are likely to follow suit, Bergmayer said. Verizon was reportedly in talks last year with ESPN over a similar program.