• by Wendy Davis  @wendyndavis, March 9, 2011

Despite support for the regulations from some broadband providers, a House subcommittee voted on Wednesday to move forward with an effort to nullify the FCC's neutrality rules.

The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology voted in favor of a resolution of disapproval of the new regulations shortly after a hearing at which AT&T chief lobbyist Jim Cicconi said the telecom supports the open Internet order.

The FCC's neutrality order isn't a "perfect solution," Cicconi told lawmakers. But, he added, the company doesn't want to "let the perfect be the enemy of the good."

The National Cable & Telephone Association added in a letter to Congress that it backs the FCC's rules because they preserve the status quo and aren't likely to discourage investment in broadband networks.

Last December, the FCC voted 3-2 to issue rules banning all broadband providers, wired and wireless, from blocking or degrading content or competing apps. The FCC also banned wireline providers from engaging in unreasonable discrimination.

Republicans oppose those rules and have vowed to vacate them.

Lawmakers in the House and Senate recently introduced resolutions of disapproval that would nullify the regulations, but only if passed by both chambers and signed by President Barack Obama.

AT&T's Cicconi said that one reason the telecom supports the open Internet rules is because the FCC's neutrality order is preferable to another option the agency considered -- reclassifying broadband as a Title II telecommunications service subject to common carrier rules. "We were pleased that the FCC was willing to work with us to deal with our concern," he said. "Like any middle ground, we're not happy with every part of it."

The FCC's rules largely mirror a proposal floated last year by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), which he developed in consultation with a variety of players, including AT&T.

In response to questioning by Waxman, Cicconi said the rules are "a reasonable middle ground" and that they "can also provide the certainty we need in this industry."

Comcast also said last December that the rules mark a "workable compromise." But not all broadband providers agree. Verizon and MetroPCS recently filed lawsuits asking for the Circuit Court of Appeals to vacate the new regulations.