Verizon investors say network neutrality opposition could harm its reputation

A group of Verizon shareholders is criticizing the company’s stance on network neutrality, saying Verizon's positions on the issue could harm its reputation and commercial success.

The proposal by the Nathan Cummings Foundation and Trillium Asset Management LLC is being submitted for consideration at Verizon's annual meeting, which is typically held in April or May. A previous version of the same proposal was submitted in 2014 and "won 26.4 percent of the shareholder vote -- representing $30.6 billion of Verizon shares," according to Open MIC. The proposal claims Verizon's stated position regarding network neutrality has been inconsistent and contradictory, and that investors are confused by the ambiguity and troubled by the potential negative impact that paid prioritization could have on innovate technology start-ups.