Verizon Chief Slams FCC's 'Overbearing' Internet Rules

The Federal Communication Commission's recent proposal for expanded Internet oversight will impose a "regime" of "old utility-style" rules on the wireless world, Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg said Tuesday in remarks at the Economic Club of Washington, D.C.

"In attempting to address legitimate issues about access to the Internet, the FCC has proposed basically an unimaginative and overbearing set of rules," Seidenberg said.

Seidenberg's criticism came on the heels of a proposal from the FCC last week to reclassify the Internet as a "telecommunications service," making it subject to previously instated phone service regulations.

In tandem with his industry peers, Seidenberg also noted that the move would expand the FCC's powers "well beyond what is necessary."

The Verizon chief also addressed another question piquing investors' interest: When, if at all, will Verizon carry Apple's hugely popular iPhone?

"That decision is really Apple's," Seidenberg said. "We stand ready to do it, but that's an Apple decision."