MetroPCS ends lawsuit against net neutrality

MetroPCS had joined Verizon in challenging the FCC’s right to regulate the Internet – specifically its 2011 rules preserving net neutrality.

However, last month, T-Mobile – which had not been part of the challenge – finalized its purchase of MetroPCS, and in mid-May the combined company quietly dropped out of the lawsuit.

Outgoing FCC Chair Julius Genachowski praised T-Mobile/MetroPCS for its action.

“Since 2010,” said Genachowski, “our strong and balanced rules... have increased certainty and predictability for investors in Internet services as well as networks. The ongoing litigation – now pursued by a single company – only serves to reduce that certainty and predictability.”

Speed Matters supports the FCC rules on open Internet and consumer protection.

MetroPCS drops challenge to net neutrality rules (The Hill, May 17, 2013)

T-Mobile's MetroPCS drops net neutrality lawsuit, leaving Verizon to challenge rules alone (Fierce Wireless, May 20, 2013)