A Verizon spokesman declined to comment on news reports that the company was , but Tom Tauke, the carrier's executive vice president of public affairs and policy, suggesting the fight over net neutrality rules wasn't over. Verizon will continue to "work constructively" with the FCC and Congress on the issue, he said in a statement.

"Based on today's announcement, the FCC appears to assert broad authority for sweeping new regulation of broadband wireline and wireless networks and the Internet itself." Tauke said. "This assertion of authority without solid statutory underpinnings will yield continued uncertainty for industry, innovators, and investors. In the long run, that is harmful to consumers and the nation."

Reaction to the FCC's decision was met with criticism coming from groups on both sides of the seven-plus-year net neutrality debate in Washington, D.C. Several consumer and digital rights groups pushing for strong net neutrality rules called the vote a missed opportunity.

The rules, pushed by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, prohibit broadband providers from blocking legal Web content, and they prohibit wired providers from unreasonable discrimination against Web traffic. The exempt specialized, or managed services, offered by broadband providers and exempt mobile broadband providers from the prohibition on unreasonable discrimination.

Verizon is committed to an "open and vibrant" Internet, but reverses a long-standing U.S. policy against Internet regulation, Tauke added.