5:45 PM -- It looks like Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ)'s attempt to get a particular set of sympathetic ears to hear its appeal of the new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) network-neutrality rules has come up short. (See Verizon Fights Net Neutrality Order and FCC Votes to Approve Net Neutrality Rules.)

The U.S. Court of Appeals on Wednesday struck down the telco's motion to have the same three-judge panel hear the case that ended up reversing the FCC's net-neutrality wrist slap of Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) Here's the super-terse denial. (See Net Neutrality Ruling: FCC Loses, Comcast Wins.)

But the same carrier-friendly court is in line to hear Verizon's appeal, if it gets that far. The FCC is trying to get it dismissed on grounds that Verizon (and MetroPCS Inc. (NYSE: PCS)) filed before the new rules were published in the Federal Register. (See The FCC Strikes Back.)

So today's round goes to the FCC.

— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Light Reading Cable