Verizon Challenges New Network Neutrality Rules

Company thinks FCC overstepped its authority
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 20, 2011 4:17 PM CST
Verizon Challenges New Network Neutrality Rules
The Verizon logo.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Verizon has filed a court challenge to new federal regulations that prohibit broadband providers from interfering with Internet traffic flowing over their networks. In a filing in federal appeals court in the District of Columbia, Verizon argues that the FCC overstepped its authority in adopting the "network neutrality" rules last month. The rules prohibit phone and cable companies from favoring or discriminating against Internet content and services—including online calling services such as Skype and Internet video services such as Netflix, which in many cases compete with services sold by companies like Verizon.

The FCC's three Democrats adopted the rules over the opposition of the agency's two Republicans just before Christmas. Republicans in Congress, who now control the House, have vowed to try to block them from taking effect. They argue that the rules amount to unnecessary regulation that will discourage the phone and cable companies from investing in their networks. (More Verizon stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X