While others may have rejoiced in the Federal Communications Commission's 3-2 vote in favor of new, stronger rules for enforcing net neutrality, Verizon Wireless had a less than enthusiastic reaction to the news.
After news of the FCC's decision broke out, the Big Red issued a press release stating that the ruling is imposing rules and regulations that prohibit (as in the time of 1930s prohibition) innovation and progress for the Internet. Oh and the press release was published in Morse code.
For the sake of those who can not read Morse code (which basically includes everybody), the major wireless carrier did thankfully decide to publish a version of their initial press release in normal English words this time. However, it is dated February 26, 1934, and written in old typewriter font.
And that's not all. The press release came with a headline that says "Title II Regulations a 'Net' Loss for Innovation and Consumers." For good measure, it also comes with this sub-headline: "FCC's 'Throwback Thursday' Move Imposes 1930s Rules on the Internet."
The first line of press release goes as follows:
"Today (Feb. 26) the Federal Communications Commission approved an order urged by President Obama that imposes rules on broadband Internet services that were written in the era of the steam locomotive and the telegraph."
It is definitely safe to say that Verizon Wireless is not a fan of the FCC's decision.
Which is no surprise, of course. Verizon Wireless has long been one of the most vehement opposers of the idea of creating stricter rules for enforcing net neutrality. As a matter of fact, way back in 2012, the Big Red has insisted that having net neutrality is violating its First and Fifth Amendment rights.
The wireless carrier is particularly opposed to the FCC's application of the Title II regulations of the Telecommunications Act into broadband Internet services. The FCC is insisting that it is updating the rules to fit modern times, but Verizon Wireless (and other opposers of net neutrality) believes that the FCC is employing an outdated approach meant for antiquated technologies.
Verizon's stand on Title II is quite interesting to say the least, if not outright contradicting. Not many may remember that the wireless carrier actually referred to itself as a “common carrier” under Title II when it was attempting to gain rights of way, pole access, and taxpayer subsidies in order to put up its FiOS fiber optic Internet network in New Jersey. But now, it is lambasting the FCC for using Title II as leverage.
However self-contradicting its mindset might be regarding net neutrality, Verizon Wireless does have a sense of humor in dealing with the situation. When you can't win, sometimes you just gotta laugh.
