SEPT. 27, 2007 - MARKEY RESPONDS TO VERIZON REVERSAL ON TEXT MESSAGE BLOCKING
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, responded today to reports that Verizon Wireless has revered its decision to block certain text messages related to pro-choice advocacy from being sent on their network.
Rep. Markey said, “Verizon Wireless’ decision to block legal content from users of its service raised serious questions about whether it was adhering to basic network neutrality principles. Wireless text messages are ones that consumers themselves elect to receive, so the blocking of such messages by a corporate gatekeeper was deeply concerning. I am pleased that Verizon has quickly reversed course. I urge Verizon – and other wireless carriers – to ensure that their company policies do not interfere with the delivery of any lawful content, nor discriminate on the basis of who the sender of such messages may be.”
