Wireless Network Neutrality – Verizon (2013)
Outcome: 24.1%
Whereas,
Wireless communications are critical to Verizon. In 2011 wireless constituted almost two-thirds of total revenue, with wireless data revenue growing 21 percent on an annual basis.
A critical factor in this growth has been the open (non-discriminatory) architecture of the Internet. Non-discrimination principles are commonly referred to as “network neutrality” and seek to ensure equal access and non-discriminatory treatment for all content.
We believe open Internet policies help drive the economy, encourage innovation and reward investors. Network neutrality principles may help Verizon financially by bringing new products to its platform, attracting customers and creating opportunities to share revenue with developers.
An open Internet also has particular importance for minority and economically disadvantaged communities, which rely on wireless more than other demographic groups. According to Colorofchange.org, an organization representing African Americans, “The digital freedoms at stake are a 21st century civil rights issue.”
Verizon’s stated policies for customers who access the Internet via wireless devices are markedly different from those for customers who access the Internet via wired networks.
For example, on its web site the Company offers customers who gain Internet access via its wired network a “commitment” which includes: “We will not prevent you or other users of our service from sending and receiving the lawful content of your choice; running lawful applications and using lawful services of your choice…” and “We will disclose the types of practices that we use to manage our network…”
Wireless customers, however, are given no such assurances. The Company tells wireless customers: “We will continue to disclose accurate and relevant information in plain language about the characteristics and capabilities of our service offerings so you and other users of our service can make informed choices.”
As investors, we are deeply concerned about this disparity in principles, policies and practices. In light of potential reputational, regulatory, and legislative risk related to Verizon’s network management practices and the issue of network neutrality, this disparity is troubling.
There may also be reputational and commercial risk in not providing customers with evidence of open Internet policies. On its public policy blog, a Verizon executive describes a high level of competition in the wireless market and says consumers “can vote with their feet if they want to” by choosing another wireless provider.
Resolved: Shareholders request that the Board of Directors report by October 2013 (at reasonable cost; omitting proprietary and confidential information; and not conceding or forfeiting any issue in litigation) how Verizon is responding to regulatory, competitive, legislative and public pressure to ensure that its network management policies and
practices support network neutrality, an Open Internet and the social values described above.
Supporting Statement: We are not seeking a report on legal compliance or the details of network management. Rather, we seek to ensure that shareholders have sufficient information to evaluate how Verizon manages this significant policy challenge – e.g. how it takes into account that network management decisions could potentially affect future regulatory developments.
