AT&T Sweetens Verizon: FCC suit not tied to plan

Verizon says it has no business plans that would violate the Federal Communications Commission’s network neutrality order, despite industry speculation that such plans prompted the company to file a lawsuit against the agency.

“The real fundamental issue that we’re addressing doesn't have anything to do with a specific business proposal,” said Link Hoewing, assistant vice president of Internet and Technology Issues at Verizon. “It has to do with the FCC establishing its authority where it doesn't have any.” “The ideal thing is for Congress to act,” Hoewing added. Verizon worries that, without instruction from lawmakers, the agency will continue to be pressured to expand its authority in this area but without clear direction or authority. The carrier’s opposition to the net neutrality regulations has some in the tech community scratching their heads. Over the summer, Verizon co-authored with Google a framework for rules that bears a striking resemblance to the framework adopted by the FCC. It also had a prime seat at the negotiating table while the agency developed its “Open Internet” order.