Following AT&T’s announcement that the carrier would block FaceTime over cellular data unless users signed up to a shared mobile data plan, and the subsequent outcry from many of its customers, AT&T has released a statement defending its decision.

The upshot of the statement suggests that because FaceTime is a pre-installed application, AT&T is not bound by FCC Net Neutrality Laws, which means it can block use of the app however they see fit.

From the statement:

…in another knee jerk reaction, some groups have rushed to judgment and claimed that AT&T’s plans will violate the FCC’s net neutrality rules. Those arguments are wrong…

…The FCC’s net neutrality rules do not regulate the availability to customers of applications that are preloaded on phones.  Indeed, the rules do not require that providers make available any preloaded apps.  Rather, they address whether customers are able to download apps that compete with our voice or video telephony services…

…We are broadening our customers’ ability to use the preloaded version of FaceTime but limiting it in this manner to our newly developed AT&T Mobile Share data plans out of an overriding concern for the impact this expansion may have on our network and the overall customer experience…

For the full statement, click here. Convinced?

@TiP_Stephen