Verizon Files Appeal To FCC Imposition of 'Net Neutrality' Rules
Much like the AT&T / T-Mobile USA merger, we knew that there was no way in the world that any new "net neutrality" rules would fly into law without a little friction. Verizon Communications has stepped up to the plate, not ashamed to make a public front against the looming FCC imposition of those very rules. This week, the company filed an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit of the Federal Communications Commission's December 2010 Report and Order (FCC 10-201) adopting so-called "net neutrality" rules. The following statement should be attributed to Michael E. Glover, Verizon senior vice president and deputy general counsel:
"Verizon is fully committed to an open Internet. We are deeply concerned by the FCC's assertion of broad authority to impose potentially sweeping and unneeded regulations on broadband networks and services and on the Internet itself. We believe this assertion of authority is inconsistent with the statute and will create uncertainty for the communications industry, innovators, investors and consumers."
We doubt that Verizon is the only carrier who is balking at new rules that would impact how they're able to serve, and potentially, what kind of content is allowed to flow freely. Something tells us we're in for a long, long haul on this one, but it's worth fighting for; the Internet has changed the world in a million positive ways, and it's important to think through how we regulate it, and how ISPs do or don't have control over it.
"Verizon is fully committed to an open Internet. We are deeply concerned by the FCC's assertion of broad authority to impose potentially sweeping and unneeded regulations on broadband networks and services and on the Internet itself. We believe this assertion of authority is inconsistent with the statute and will create uncertainty for the communications industry, innovators, investors and consumers."
We doubt that Verizon is the only carrier who is balking at new rules that would impact how they're able to serve, and potentially, what kind of content is allowed to flow freely. Something tells us we're in for a long, long haul on this one, but it's worth fighting for; the Internet has changed the world in a million positive ways, and it's important to think through how we regulate it, and how ISPs do or don't have control over it.
