U.S. Appeals Court Upholds FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has upheld the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality rules, which were passed last year.

The move validates the FCC’s authority to place broadband providers under the same type of strict regulations that have governed the telcos. The rules require internet providers to treat all content equally, meaning they cannot block or slow competitors or increase speeds for those who pay.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler commented: “Today’s ruling is a victory for consumers and innovators who deserve unfettered access to the entire web, and it ensures the internet remains a platform for unparalleled innovation, free expression and economic growth. After a decade of debate and legal battles, today’s ruling affirms the Commission’s ability to enforce the strongest possible internet protections—both on fixed and mobile networks—that will ensure the internet remains open, now and in the future.”

Netflix is among the organizations applauding the court’s decision: “Today’s appeals court decision underscores what’s possible when millions of consumers unite to be heard and government officials listen. By upholding all parts of the FCC’s net neutrality approach, the appeals court settled two decades of debate and legal uncertainty by ensuring the internet remains open to all. The court went out of its way to define interconnection as a central part of net neutrality, ensuring that providers like Netflix will be able to reach consumers without ISP interference. Now the FCC has clear authority to hold ISPs to these openness rules and turn its attention to policies that support an affordable, faster internet.”