Washington Braces For Net Neutrality Ruling

Major telecom companies last year appealed the FCC’s net neutrality rules, which placed unprecedented rules on Internet providers. The result of that appeal is imminent, and could overturn all or some of the rules. Observers on both sides of the argument expect the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals three-judge panel to uphold the FCC’s move to reclassify Internet providers under a different category of law, giving the agency broader authority to regulate them. The companies claimed that the FCC does not have the authority to make any of its new rules, and expresses concern that the FCC would be given too much power to impose new privacy requirements, levy fees, or set prices for service. Some believe the ruling could spur Congress into action to finally legislate net neutrality. Others believe a Supreme Court appeal in the case is inevitable.