Verizon Challenges Applying Net Neutrality To Wireless

The Net-neutrality plan adopted by the Federal Communications Commission has been challenged by Verizon Communications. Verizon's lawsuit was filed in the same court that struck down a FCC ruling against Comcast. Verizon had joined with Google to propose a neutrality plan similar to the FCC's -- but it exempted wireless providers.

Verizon Communications announced Thursday that it has filed a legal challenge to the Net-neutrality plan adopted by the Federal Communications Commission. The company said it is "deeply concerned by the FCC's assertion of broad authority for sweeping new regulation of broadband networks and the Internet itself."

Approved last month, the FCC plan requires network providers to treat all content the same, without favoring some kinds of content which could, for example, compete with the provider's own offerings. Despite the legal move, the company said it is still "committed to preserving an open Internet," adding that it has worked extensively with "all players in the Internet and communications space to shape policies that ensure an open Internet."

By Barry Levine

http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=12000B12HDJC

FCC To Hear Fight Over Internet Calls

Consumers who use Android, the Google-developed operating system for wireless devices, can't use Skype, a leading Voice over Internet Protocol service. A pioneer in free Internet calling, Skype allows you to talk as long as you want without draining cell phone minutes. Android users get Skype Lite, a watered-down version of the original.

By Leslie Cauley

http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=112006L7URLS