As reported by many GigaOM, Net Neutrality complaint against AT&T is about to be filed with FCC.
From GigaOM:
Free Press, Public Knowledge, and the New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute have informed AT&T that they intend to file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission against the wireless carrier for violating network neutrality rules. The complaint will address Ma Bell’s plan to keep certain subscribers from using Apple’s FaceTime video calling on the AT&T cellular network. The move was expected, but the timing on when the FCC responds is unclear.
From Free Press:
WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Free Press, Public Knowledge, and the New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute notified AT&T of their intent to file a formal complaint against the company. In the complaint, the three organizations will assert that AT&T is violating Net Neutrality by blocking the popular video-conferencing application FaceTime. The groups will file the complaint with the Federal Communications Commission in the coming weeks. Under the agency’s Open Internet rules, which prohibit companies from blocking such applications on their mobile networks, anyone filing a formal complaint must give at least 10 days’ notice of their intent to file.
With iOS 6, Apple adds the ability to make FaceTime calls over cellular. AT&T told MacRumors that customers are required to subscribe to Mobile Share data plan to use FaceTime over cellular. This certainly does not sit well with AT&T customers with iPhone 4S and soon to be released iPhone 5. As reported by AppleInsider, both Sprint and Verizon will not restrict the use of FaceTime on their network.
It’s time to bring your torches and pitchfork to AT&T. Sign the petition at Free Press.