Verizon threatens Netflix with legal action over streaming row
Verizon has issued Netflix with a cease-and-desist letter after the streaming site blamed issues with its broadband service on the communications giant.
The US based company sent the letter yesterday (5 June) when it discovered that Netflix had told consumers Verizon was behind slow connections, according to the BBC.
"There is no basis for Netflix to assert that issues with respect to playback... are attributable solely to the Verizon network," Verizon wrote.
The row emerged when Netflix users took to social media to tweet pictures of their display screen as it buffered. The message read, “The Verizon network is crowded right now. Adjusting video for smoother playback”.
Netflix said the message was meant to provide its customers with more information about its service.
"This is about consumers not getting what they paid for from their broadband provider," it responded.
Verizon, however, argued that Netflix was to blame for the faulty streaming and that its claims could damage the communication giant’s business.
The potential harm is broader than only the experience of a customer viewing Netflix content," wrote Verizon.
"This could cause a customer to think any attempted viewing of video...would yield a similarly 'crowded' experience."
Verizon has threatened to take legal action if Netflix continues to use the message.