AT&T invokes Title II status to dismiss FTC data throttling suit

http://www.engadget.com/2015/01/10/atandt-ftc-motion-to-dismiss/

AT&T definitely doesn't want to be regulated as a Title II "common carrier" internet provider, but it's happy to use that status to dodge charges of throttling customer data. The carrier just filed a motion to dismiss a recent suit by the FTC over "deceptive" mobile data throttling. It claims its common carrier status for providing voice services exempts it from the FTC's jurisdiction over data as well -- and that it should instead fall under the FCC's writ. The suit resulted after AT&T said that certain unlimited data plan customers would see throttled speeds, despite the fact that they paid for that to not happen. AT&T said that its common carrier designation, rather than specific services it provides (like data), means that "the FTC cannot rewrite the statute to expand its own jurisdiction."

As noted by Ars Technica, however, it saw fit to settle with the FTC for $80 million over mobile cramming charges, which also involve data and not voice transmission.