Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and the FCC will get their chance to square off on net neutrality this Sept. 9 in a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C.
Originally set to happen this spring, Verizon is challenging the FCC's net neutrality order which sets rules on how service providers can manage their own networks. Under the FCC's 2011 rules, Internet users should have the freedom to access any content or application and not be restricted by a service provider even if it is delivered by a competitor such as Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX).
The net neutrality debate has drawn criticism from both sides.
Verizon and other large telcos maintain that the FCC is overstretching its authority into regulating the Internet. Public interest groups argue that the rules don't go far enough, while Democratic leaders say they will oppose a decision that favors Verizon.
According to the order issued yesterday, judges Judith Rogers, Laurence Silberman and David Tatel will hear the arguments from the regulator and Verizon.
These hearings come as Tom Wheeler, who served as the former president of the National Cable Television Association (NCTA) and CEO of the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA), is currently going through the confirmation process to become the FCC's next leader.
For more:
- Reuters has this article
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