A number of prominent Republicans have praised Verizon for kicking off a legal battle against the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) controversial net-neutrality rules.
“We welcome the decision by Verizon, and hopefully others, to demand their day in court to block the FCC’s misguided attempt to regulate the Internet. At stake is not just innovation and economic growth, although those concerns are vital,” Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.), Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) wrote in a joint statement.
“Equally important is putting a check on an FCC that is acting beyond the authority granted to it by Congress. Between our legislative efforts and this court action, we will put the FCC back on firmer ground.”
Meanwhile, Verizon deputy general counsel Michael Glover claimed the company was “deeply concerned by the FCC’s assertion of broad authority” for new regulation of broadband networks and the Internet itself.
“We believe this assertion of authority goes well beyond any authority provided by Congress and creates uncertainty for the communications industry, innovators, investors and consumers.”
However, Consumers Union policy counsel Parul Desai disputed Glover’s assertion that net-neutrality rules created negative “uncertainty” for industry and consumers alike.
“These rules are [actually] needed to make sure the Internet remains open and consumer-friendly. Consumers should be able to surf the Web without their Internet provider limiting their choices to its preferred sites.
“Verizon’s assertion that these rules create ‘uncertainty’ for consumers just doesn’t hold water. The rules bring clarity and focus to a situation that’s been hanging in limbo for years,” he added.
(Via The Hill)
