Verizon fights FCC over net neutrality rules

Verizon has filed suit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over new rules on net neutrality.

The company is objecting to proposed FCC regulations on wireless broadband networks which it believes to be too strict.

"We are deeply concerned by the FCC's assertion of broad authority for sweeping new regulation of broadband networks and the internet itself," said Verizon senior vice president and deputy general counsel Michael E. Glover.

"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."

Verizon is also asking that its case with the FCC be moved to the panel which presided over the FCC's 2010 case against Comcast over net neutrality.

The latest filing has been condemned by user-advocacy groups such as Public Knowledge, which has long opposed Verizon's net neutrality vision.

Public Knowledge legal director Harold Feld said that the request for a new panel in particular is an attempt by Verizon to "play legal games" with the net neutrality debate.

"Verizon is trying to pick the venue for the challenge to the rules, and the judges to hear it," he said. "The court should see through this ploy and reject Verizon's attempt to pick the home field for its appeal."

Verizon was originally among the companies supporting the FCC's efforts for net neutrality, but has stepped up in recent months to speak out against extending those regulations to wireless broadband networks, which the company believes should fall under different rules.