Verizon Reacts to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s Comments on Open Internet Rules

WASHINGTON – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler issued comments today regarding his intention to propose new rules on ways to regulate the Internet. The following statement should be attributed to Michael E. Glover, Verizon senior vice president and deputy general counsel, public policy and government affairs:

“Heavily regulating the Internet for the first time is unnecessary and counterproductive. It is unnecessary because all participants in the Internet ecosystem support an open Internet, and the FCC can address any harmful behavior without taking this radical step. Moreover, Congress is working on legislation that would codify open Internet rules once and for all. It is counterproductive because heavy regulation of the Internet will create uncertainty and chill investment among the many players -- not just Internet service providers -- that now will need to consider FCC rules before launching new services.”