Consumer Favorability Ratings for Large ISPs Withstand Net Neutrality Heat

Scorching criticism of internet service providers over their stance on net neutrality for much of 2017 hasn’t hurt their standing with US consumers — though some weren’t that popular to begin with. For Comcast, there was practically nowhere to go but up. Thirty-two percent of respondents had a very or somewhat favorable view of Comcast the day Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced his repeal plans; 26 percent had an unfavorable opinion. By Nov. 28, Comcast’s favorability had risen slightly to 38 percent, while 27 percent of respondents held an unfavorable view of the company, but the numbers were in line with the overall trend for the prior several months. As of Dec. 6, 35 percent of U.S. consumers reported having a favorable opinion, while 28 percent had an unfavorable opinion. Verizon’s standing with the public also edged up during the same time period, but also in line with its overall trend in the months prior to Pai’s introduction of his plan. Fifty-four percent of U.S. adults said they held a very or somewhat favorable view of Verizon on Nov. 21, while 26 percent said they held an unfavorable view of the company. By Nov. 28, Verizon’s favorability improved slightly to 56 percent, while its unfavorable numbers had dipped one-point to 25 percent. As of Dec. 6, Verizon’s favorability rating was at 58 percent, with a 22 unfavorability rating.