Wireless Companies Respond to ‘Net Neutrality’ Proposal

WASHINGTON — Following yesterday’s proposal by the chair of the Federal Communications Commission to impose new rules for mobile-web-access providers and broadband providers, some wireless companies — particularly AT&T — expressed discontent.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, delivered the announcement yesterday at the Brookings Institution, and said the FCC must be "a smart cop on the beat preserving a free and open Internet."

In a statement issued by AT&T, the company said it supported the existing neutrality principles for wired networks, and is even open to adding a fifth, but does not back the rules applying to wireless networks.

The company — which currently is the sole service provider for the iPhone — said wireless service is a competitive market that does not need regulation, and justified keeping restrictions on the amount of data wireless customers can use because wireless networks “are facing incredible bandwidth strains [and] require continued private investment at very high levels, and pro-active network management.”

AT&T also went on the offensive, calling the FCC’s plans a “bait and switch” scheme in which they were sold unrestricted blocks of the wireless spectrum last year in the organization’s auction for “billions more” than Verizon’s purchase of a block with limitations of keeping it open to any device and application.

Verizon, in a statement, also said it disapproved of adding new regulations.

“We believe that when the FCC reviews the record and looks at the facts, it will be clear that there is no current problem which justifies the risk of imposing a new set of regulations that will limit consumer choices and affect content providers, application developers, device manufacturers and network builders,” the company said.

According to reports, other wireless providers, including Sprint simply refused to comment on the issue.

Among the new regulations affecting wireless companies include consumer rights to access content and run applications of their choice.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

AI Erotic Storytelling Platform 'AIEroticSmut' Launches

AIEroticSmut.com, a DIY erotic storytelling platform, has officially launched.

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Show More