AT&T, Verizon Wireless and other mobile network operators won’t sue the FCC over its proposed net neutrality plans on their own, but will through a number of trade groups.
Sources cited by Reuters suggest the move will allow the carriers to streamline their litigation and prevent them from becoming the targets of backlash. “We believe there will be a lot of litigation, which will probably be led by industry associations,” said Verizon Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo.
The CTIA is expected to lead the charge against the FCC and may be joined by the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, and the USTelecom association. The American Cable Association and the National Association of Manufacturers are still deciding whether or not to pursue legal challenges to the FCC’s plan.
The trade groups involved will likely target the FCC’s authority to make the changes it did, and that it didn’t properly notify stakeholders of the potential for reclassifying broadband under Title II. The FCC believes its proposal will withstand the impending legal assaults.
