Cable Giants Want Rehearing On FCC Net Neutrality Rules

Trade associations representing U.S. internet service providers are suing to overturn a federal appeals court ruling that upheld the FCC’s new net neutrality rules. The broadband giants have filed petitions for an en banc rehearing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, claiming the net neutrality rules overstep the FCC’s legal bounds. “We don’t celebrate this petition, but we believe this action is necessary to correct an unlawful action by the FCC,” the National Cable & Telecommunications Association said in a statement. Last month, a three judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Appeals Court ruled 2-1 to uphold the FCC rules, which will treat ISPs much like utility companies and keep them from forcing customers to pay more for faster internet. “We are confident that the full court will agree with the panel’s affirmation of the FCC’s clear authority to enact strong open Internet rules,” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said.