Isn't he aware that the device neutrality terms (which BTW i don't see as relevant, but he brought them up) dont apply to 4G unlimited plans grandfathered in after a settlement with the.. FCC? New plans have to allow tethering, grandfathered unlimited plans, under the terms of the settlement, don't. However, maybe unlimited plans that aren't on contract aren't covered by the settlement?
My guess is that the FCC will win this one, but as trade, Verizon will win a future (important) one they want. That way Mr. FCC will be seen as fair and balanced...
I think you're right. If Wheeler's motive is called into question for a future decision that happens to favor telecom companies, he can try to point to this grandstanding.
He used to be a lobbyist, after all - he knows how this game is played.
The argument that Verizon is throttling Netflix is more solid. It will be telling if FCC report is damning or not, because there is an even-better 'grandstanding' opportunity.