By Alex Fitzpatrick2013-05-17 20:55:01 UTCMetroPCS dropped its lawsuit challenging the Federal Communications Commission's net neutrality rules Friday, leaving Verizon the FCC's sole legal opponent in the case.
T-Mobile purchased MetroPCS last month; T-Mobile is not involved with the net neutrality lawsuit.
The FCC's rules bar landline-based broadband providers from discriminating between different kinds of Internet traffic. For example: If you're a Time Warner Cable subscriber, TWC can't slow your connection speeds if you're trying to access a website run by NBC Universal, now owned by TWC rival Comcast.
Net Neutrality has been one of the most controversial legacies left by outgoing FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. Supporters of the policy argue it's pro-consumer and pro-competition, while detractors say it's undue government interference with the Internet.
Genachowski, who's stepping down from the chairmanship Friday, welcomed MetroPCS's decision to drop from the case.
"Since 2010, our strong and balanced rules have been protecting entrepreneurs and consumers, and have increased certainty and predictability for investors in Internet services as well as networks," said Genachowski in a statement. "The ongoing litigation –- now pursued by a single company –- only serves to reduce that certainty and predictability."
Public Knowledge, an open Internet advocacy group, also applauded the move.
"We're happy that T-Mobile has dropped MetroPCS's lawsuit challenging the Open Internet rules," said Public Knowledge CEO and President Gigi B. Sohn. "The rules are working. While they're not perfect, they reassure Internet companies that they will be able to reach users, they give ISPs a framework under which they can manage their networks, and they provide a mechanism for working out disputes."
Verizon, whose ongoing lawsuit argues the FCC didn't have the authority to issue its Net Neutrality rules, has not yet responded to Mashable's request for comment.
Image via iStockphoto, slobo
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