AT&T Surprises Everyone And Joins Pro-Net Neutrality 'Day Of Action'

In support of open and fair internet regulations, websites and tech companies like Facebook, Google and Amazon are taking part in a "Day of Action." On Wednesday, hundreds of websites will show what the internet could look like without net neutrality.

But one surprising company is also joining in.

AT&T said Tuesday it would be joining the "Day of Action." The company wanted to make clear its support for an open internet, but AT&T also noted its decision might "seem like an anomaly."

That's because AT&T hasn't always played nicely with net neutrality rules.

Last fall, the Federal Communications Commission reprimanded AT&T for its "Sponsored Data" program — a data cap exemption that gave preference to DirecTV subscribers and services. In a letter to the company, the FCC said the program could block competition and constrain customers.

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Back in 2015, AT&T was also the first company to be punished by the FCC for breaking net neutrality rules. The company was fined $100 million for misleading customers about unlimited data plans.

Beyond the beef with the FCC, open internet activists consider AT&T to be a main antagonist in the fight for net neutrality.

Battle for the Net, the organizer for the "Day of Action," even called AT&T one of the internet service providers that could try to subvert an open internet.

We should note although a company participates in the event, it's not legally binding and doesn't require it to follow through.