Verizon has filed an appeal challenging the net neutrality rules that the FCC adopted last month, which aim to prevent Internet providers from blocking or slowing legal content.
"We are deeply concerned by the FCC's assertion of broad authority for sweeping new regulation of broadband networks and the Internet itself," said Michael E. Glover, Verizon senior vice president and deputy general counsel, in a statement Thursday. "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 expressed its disappointment with the FCC's new rules when they passed on December 21, arguing that government intervention, not industry discrimination, is what threatens an open web. Others argued that the rules are too weak and leave consumers, websites, and online services vulnerable to gate-keeper control by providers.