AT&T enlists own employees to oppose internet neutrality

AT&T's top lobbyist Jim Cicconi was alleged to have circulated a memo to company managers urging them to encourage their families and friends to oppose the Federal Communications Commission's proposal to regulate the internet.

"AT&T is practiced in spending money on so-called astroturf groups to give the appearance there is widespread support for their agenda," said Timothy Karr, campaign director for the advocacy group Free Press.

But Michael Balmoris, spokesman for AT&T, believes the company has done nothing wrong and is merely rallying support for the cause.

"We were providing important information to our employees," said Balmoris. "And it was up to them to respond personally. If they use their company e-mails, that is fine, too. It was not a mandatory business request."

Timothy Karr, campaign director for the advocacy group Free Press, refutes that claim saying, "When a letter like this is sent to every manager from one of the company's most senior executives, it's hard to imagine AT&T employees thinking the memo was merely a suggestion."

AT&T has been one of the biggest opponents of the new regulation, along with Verizon Communications and cable company Comcast. The phone companies and some congressional leaders - including Democrats and Republicans - have also stood in support for AT&T and other organizations against the commission.

On the other side of the fence, many consumer advocacy groups and large internet companies, such as Google and Amazon support the regulation of the internet.