Verizon: Title II Classification Would Cause Widespread Harm

Verizon told the Federal Communications Commission that reclassifying broadband transmissions as a telecommunications service subject to some Title II common carrier regulations would cause "widespread harm to the Internet ecosystem."

And besides, it said, it would be illegal. Even worse, said the wireless company, if the FCC imposed those regulations on wireless broadband. Verizon said that regulation proponents have overestimated the ease with which the FCC could just change its mind and reverse its conclusion that Internet access was an integrated information service subject to light-touch Title I regulations. Verizon put in a plug for the policy framework it has teamed with Google to tout. "Targeted legislation of this kind is the best way to strike an appropriate balance that protects consumers and promotes continued innovation and investment, while foregoing unnecessary and harmful regulation," said Verizon.