CORRECTED - US Republicans seek study before FCC Web rules

(Corrects word in fifth paragraph to "lawful", not "unlawful",
as previously sent)

* Republicans question need for Net neutrality rule

* Say rule could stifle investment in broadband

WASHINGTON, Oct 5 (Reuters) - A group of House of
Representatives Republicans urged the Federal Communications
Commission on Monday to conduct a market analysis before
proposing a new rule to maintain an open Internet.

In a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, 20
Republicans asked the FCC if the agency will be examining
networks, services, consumer electronics equipment,
applications, as well as cable, wireline, wireless, satellite
and broadband to determine if a rule to govern Net neutrality
is necessary.

"You have repeatedly said that you want this to be the most
data-driven FCC ever," wrote the Republicans, led by Cliff
Stearns, the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet.

"This is an opportunity to demonstrate that commitment."

The FCC is slated to propose a Net neutrality rule on Oct.
22 aimed at ensuring that network operators treat the flow of
Internet content and applications without discrimination.

The rule, which is currently being considered by the FCC
commissioners, would prevent network operators from blocking
consumer access to any lawful Internet content, applications
and services.

The letter from Stearns and other House lawmakers is the
latest push by Republicans to question the need for such a Net
neutrality rule, which is opposed by the big wireless companies
such as AT&T Inc (T.N) and Verizon Wireless.

On Friday, House Republican Leader John Boehner and
Republican Whip Eric Cantor wrote a letter to President Barack
Obama, expressing concern that a rule would thwart further
broadband investment.

The rule, if enacted, would likely force U.S. phone
companies to open their wireless networks to rival Internet
services like eBay Inc's (EBAY.O) Skype and Google Inc's
(GOOG.O) voice services.

Verizon Wireless is a joint venture between Verizon
Communications Inc (VZ.N) Vodafone Group Plc (VOD.L).

Last week an FCC panel crafting a national broadband plan
to be submitted to Congress in February said total investment
to expand access to all Americans and increase subscribership
could cost between $20 billion and $350 billion, depending on
the quality of broadband service.

"Net neutrality rules would make it harder, not easier, for
such investments to occur," Stearns and the other Republicans
wrote.

An FCC spokeswoman declined to comment.
(Reporting by John Poirier, editing by Matthew Lewis)