Netflix still supports net neutrality, and has enlisted House of Cards in the fight

Netflix has enlisted Frank Underwood in the fight for net neutrality

(Image credit: Twitter/@HouseofCards)

published 11 March 2015

Video-streaming powerhouse Netflix was one of the main corporate proponents of the Federal Communications Commission's recent move to enforce net neutrality. But on March 4, at an investor conference in New York, Netflix CFO David Wells said his company was "probably not" pleased the FCC had reclassified broadband internet as a Title II utility. "We were hoping there might be a non-regulated solution to it."

That prompted some gloating from net neutrality opponents. "Netflix Recants on Obamanet," wrote L. Gordon Crovitz at The Wall Street Journal. AT&T issued a statement from its top lobbyist, Jim Cicconi, saying it was "awfully hard to believe" that Wells would "go into a major investor conference and misspeak on an issue supposedly so crucial to their future." More likely, Cicconi said, "he had an attack of candor. At least 'til his company's lobbyists got hold of him."

Netflix responded with a post for "anyone interested in what... Wells actually said about net neutrality," including audio of his presentation and the full quote. After wishing for a non-regulated solution (which was shot down, thanks to a lawsuit from Verizon), Wells added, "But it seems like companies that are pursuing their commercial interests including us have to arrive at something like that." Netflix is "super pleased" that there's now a vehicle to enforce net neutrality, he said, and "I would say we are very pleased with what's been accomplished.... Essentially internet has become a utility."

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.