In a memo sent out to AT&T's US-based store managers on Sunday, the company's leading lobbyist Jim Cicconi urged them to voice their concerns about the net neutrality regulations, and also persuade their families and acquaintances "to join the voices telling the FCC not to regulate the Internet."

Cicconi also asked the managers to forward their opinions and comments on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)'s new net neutrality site, openinternet. gov.

One of the main opponents of the proposed open Internet rules, AT&T, along with Verizon and Comcast, emphasized in its memo that the net neutrality legislation has been widely opposed. It said that those criticizing the move include as many as 72 House Democrats who, in their Friday letter, urged the FCC to proceed with caution on net neutrality rules.

However, AT&T's most recent move to garner support against net neutrality has been condemned many advocacy groups.

While advocacy group Free Press opined that AT&T is calculatingly attempted to craft the idea that average citizens are not in favor of the net neutrality regulations; D. C.-based interest group Public Knowledge accused AT&T of "muddying up" the open Internet issue.

Meanwhile, defending the move, AT&T spokesman Michael Balmoris said: "We were providing important information to our employees. And it was up to them to respond personally. It was not a mandatory business request."