As we’ve mentioned before, the debate over net neutrality isn’t just one of government-versus-business but one of business-versus-business. While we already knew that big-name Internet companies such as Netflix are strongly in favor of strong net neutrality rules, Bloomberg Businessweek reports that several other giant corporations have been quietly working behind the scenes to push the FCC to enact stronger net neutrality rules as well.
The corporate battle lines over the new federal rules for the Internet have been well established. Vocal technology startups have been leading the charge for muscular regulations for broadband access, and Internet service providers including Comcast (CMCSA) and Verizon (VZ) have been arguing loudly for more flexibility. Blue chip companies without obvious tech interests have kept a lower profile. But a corporate alliance with subtle interests in this fight has been quietly pushing the Federal Communications Commission for strict broadband rules. In a series of meetings this year attended by representatives from Ford Motor (F), Visa (V), United Parcel Service (UPS), and Bank of America (BAC), participants urged FCC commissioners to reclassify broadband service under Title II, according to documents filed with the FCC.
