Verizon sues to overturn 'net neutrality' rules

Verizon Communications, the largest U.S. cell phone carrier, is suing to overturn new government regulations governing the flow of Internet traffic.

The lawsuit filed Friday in Washington's U.S.

The lawsuit filed Friday in Washington's U.S. Court of Appeals contends the Federal Communications Commission overstepped its authority in setting its so-called "net neutrality" rules last year. The regulations are scheduled to go into effect in two months. They prohibit Internet service providers from discriminating against or giving special treatment to particular online services or content.

Earlier this week, a media and Internet advocacy group sued to block the rules in a Boston federal court. The group, Free Press, objects to a provision that gives cell phone companies some flexibility to manage traffic so their wireless systems aren't overwhelmed.

"We are deeply concerned by the FCC's assertion of broad authority to impose potentially sweeping and unneeded regulations on broadband networks and services and on the Internet itself," said Michael Glover, Verizon's general counsel. "We believe this assertion of authority is inconsistent with the statute and will create uncertainty for the communications industry, innovators, investors and consumers."

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