FCC Says Verizon Must Respond to Free Press Tethering Complaint

The Federal Communications Commission issued an official notice of Free Press’ complaint that Verizon’s blocking of tethering apps violated the terms of the company’s C-Block spectrum license. The FCC’s action requires a written response from Verizon to the merits of the complaint.

Prior to the FCC action, communications with the FCC on the merits of Free Press’ complaint were prohibited. After procedural objections were raised by public interest organizations and law professors, the FCC has now opened the file to permit Free Press, Verizon, and others to speak with the FCC. However, as the complaint is treated as “exempt,” parties are not required to file ex parte notices after they've met with the FCC. Additionally, because the FCC has not yet assigned a proceeding number to the complaint, written comments cannot be made part of a public record.

Free Press commends the FCC for opening the tethering complaint for discussion, encourages all interested stakeholders to weigh in with the agency, and pledges to disclose notices of its presentations to the FCC on the merits of the complaint. Should the FCC subsequently assign a docket number to this proceeding to establish a written public record, Free Press will voluntarily file notices of ex parte communications.