Silicon Valley lights up with another battle. AT&T has been accused to have ‘gone too far’ with its lobbying efforts to oppose Net Neutrality Regulations imposed by the Federal Communications Commission.

AT&T alongside Verizon Communications and Comsat, have been the biggest opponents of this regulation by the FCC. While organizations such as Google, Amazon and other web based technology companies along with consumer advocacy groups welcome these changes, both groups have garnered political lobbies to further their cause.

Net neutrality is the idea that everyone should have equal access to the Internet. And since the past few weeks the debate has heated up with both sides accusing the other of unfair means.

A memo was sent by Jim Cicconi, a lobbyist for AT&T to the managers to encourage their family, friends and peers “to join the voices telling the FCC not to regulate the internet.” This act was highly condemned by the advocacy groups saying that garnering support from the employees and creating a false impression of public non-acceptability of the regulations.

"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.

AT&T spokesman defends by saying that only information was provided via the memo and the employees are free to choose if they want to use their personal email, adding that even these
(advocacy) groups mobilize people on the web. Karr emphasized the difference as, "Our activists aren't on our payroll."

The FCC is to begin setting up the rules for the regulation on Thursday. Till then it has extended its period for receiving views and comments.