Verizon Challenges FCC's Net-Neutrality Rules in Court

Verizon Communications Inc. has asked a court to overturn the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) new net-neutrality rules, which would bar internet service providers from blocking or slowing web content. The company claims the agency lacks authority over how companies provide web service, and that the rules go beyond any authority provided by Congress. The move marks the latest development in a long-standing debate over the need for regulations to protect the open internet.

Key Takeaways:

• Verizon, along with AT&T Inc. and Comcast Corp., is challenging the FCC's net-neutrality rules, which were adopted on December 21, 2011.
• The rules would bar internet service providers from blocking or slowing web content sent to homes and businesses.
• Verizon claims the FCC lacks authority over how companies provide web service, and that the rules go beyond any authority provided by Congress.
• The company believes the agency's assertion of broad authority for sweeping new regulation of broadband networks and the internet is "misguided".
• Three Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including Chairman Representative Fred Upton (R-Mich.), welcome the decision by Verizon to challenge the FCC's rules.
• The lawmakers stated that there will be legislative efforts to "put the FCC back on firmer ground".
• A court ruled in April 2011 that the FCC lacked jurisdiction over providers of broadband, or high-speed, internet service.

Statistics:

• The FCC's net-neutrality rules were adopted on December 21, 2011.
• The rules were passed on a 3-2 party-line vote led by Democrats.
• A court ruling in April 2011 found that the FCC lacked jurisdiction over providers of broadband, or high-speed, internet service.

Sources:

• Bloomberg News
• Verizon Communications Inc.
• The Toronto Star, "U.S. lawmakers challenge oft-criticized net-neutrality rules", (2011) [No date mentioned in the source]