The biggest Internet service providers in the U.S. hate the idea of being treated like utilities companies—but a new report reveals that Verizon's FiOS service uses public utility rules to get a raft of government perks.


The FCC classifies broadband—like FiOS—under Title I of the Communications Act, which has less strict rules than Title II, under which traditional phone systems fall. In essence, Title II controls the national phone network, promotes competition and consumer choice, and generally means that pricing and services are more consistent for users.


But Ars Technica reports that Verizon uses the fact that both services are delivered down the same wire "to reap the benefits of utility regulation without the downsides" for its broadband service. The benefits include "types of legal immunity, easements over private property and public rights of way, pole attachment rights, access to the phone number system, and the right to interconnect with other networks."

It's worth pointing out that this isn't really illegal. But when the very same telecom companies have been bleating about the fact that they don't want broadband to be classed as a utility, it is completely hypocritical. Essentially, Verizon takes advantage of the law but passes no benefit to the consumer. By now we shouldn't be surprised by such behavior—but we can still find it repellent. [Ars Technica]

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