Network Neutrality Comments: Verizon Says Network Neutrality Rules Unnecessary, Unconstitutional

Verizon Communications's network neutrality filling is unique in that the telecom giant is one of the only companies which provides broadband service via high-speed fiber optic cables and copper digital subscriber lines, plus wireless broadband via third-generation and fourth-generation wireless services.

The company's opposition to net neutrality is based on, it says, the lack of evidence that users' Internet rights have been violated. Additionally, the companies said that enforcement of such principles will have negative economic consequences. Internet services are still in their early stages, the company said, and heavy-handed intervention would prevent future innovation. Additional, the current level of competition among the various providers will prevent any violation of rights. As regards wireless services, Verizon said that the Federal Communications Commission has no basis for attempting to enforce such rules because of the lack of problems in the past with network discrimination. Network management regulations would be particularly harmful for wireless providers, as they must manage scarce spectrum with the needs of customers.

Instead of imposing a blanket set of rules, Verizon said that regulations should only be adopted when harmful practices are undertaken and the regulation should occur on a case by case basis. The creation of rules they believe will limit future innovation and impose a high level of costs on providers.