Opinion ID: 3012869
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: jurisdiction

Text: After Graphnet moved to dismiss the action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, the district court held that it had jurisdiction over the controversy. While Graphnet does not dispute this finding, we are nevertheless obligated to raise and decide the issue sua sponte. See MCI Telecomm. Corp. v. Teleconcepts, Inc. 71 F.3d 1086, 1093 (3d Cir. 1995). After examining the record, we have no doubt that the district court correctly found that it had diversity jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1332. The parties are completely diverse and the matter in controversy exceeds $75,000. We also note that there is federal question jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331. Because this issue is related to the merits of this controversy, we will discuss it briefly. In MCI Telecomm., we held that a contract action for unpaid services under the terms and conditions set forth in a filed tariff “arises under” the laws of the United States. MCI Telecomm., 71 F.3d at 1094. In MCI Telecomm., we 5 relied heavily on the Second Circuit’s decision in Ivy Broadcasting Co., Inc. v. AT & T, 391 F.2d 486 (2d Cir. 1968). In Ivy Broadcasting, the court noted that “the establishment of [a] broad scheme for the regulation of interstate service by communications carriers indicates an intent on the part of Congress to occupy the field to the exclusion of state law.” Id. at 490. Since Congress intended to occupy the field, “questions concerning the duties, charges and liabilities of telegraph or telephone companies with respect to interstate communications service are to be governed solely by federal law[.]” Id. at 491. Since this controversy involves questions concerning the duties, charges and liabilities with respect to interstate and international communications services, it “arises under” federal law. 28 U.S.C. § 1331. Since no specific portion of the Act creates an action for breach of a communications contract, the district court must apply federal common law.