The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia today upheld the FCC’s 2015 net neutrality rules.
The decision, which came from a three-judge panel in a 2-1 vote, is a major victory for the FCC and a blow to internet companies such as AT&T and Verizon. Internet service providers and others argue the FCC doesn’t have the authority to establish net neutrality rules, but the appeals court disagreed.
The FCC’s rules set clear guidelines on how internet providers are allowed to treat the data that flows across their networks. The basics prevent internet providers from blocking apps/services, prevent them from throttling data speeds, and prevent them from initiating paid prioritization schemes to give some companies preferred service.
The rules also reclassify broadband services under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934, which will treat them like common carriers. AT&T, an opponent of the rules, said, “We have always expected this issue to be decided by the Supreme Court, and we look forward to participating in that appeal.”
