How AT&T Cons The Public (Google, Pay Attention)
What it looks like when groups that are supposed to be supporting their constituents instead get paid off to regurgitate phone company propaganda.
Phone companies pay groups like The Latino Coalition or the National Association For the Deaf a chunk of change for a new recreation center, and in turn these groups will repeat whatever policy lies they're asked to in major papers.
The use of these groups (and in some case fake consumer groups) creates the artificial perception that support for a phone company political position is much broader than it actually is, AND makes it seem like these positions have consumer support, even when the bills themselves are frequently anti-consumer.
The public, who can't be bothered to study actual issues if they require extensive thought, sees that a group that should be representing their interests supports the position, so they do as well.
The entire linked article regurgitates dishonest talking points, portrays Google as a tyrant for not wanting to be double billed for bandwidth, lies about the impact of network neutrality, and inaccurately portrays powerline broadband (which causes radio interference and just isn't used) as a functional technology.
That last bit's necessary to prop up the myth that the broadband market is actually competitive, instead of it being a monopoly (or duopoly if your area is lucky).
Meanwhile, go take a look at who wrote the "primer" for the National Association For the Deaf over at their website. Also check out their biggest contributers.
AT&T and Verizon's donations purchased this enthusiastic support for laws that allow the phone companies to deploy broadband to only the most profitable neighborhoods, while in some cases stripping away eminent domain rights and consumer protections (surely in every deaf and Latino person's best interests).
Google, you should pay attention, because this is how Verizon & AT&T roll.