The District of Columbia federal appeals court ruled 3-0 to gut the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) net neutrality rules on the grounds that the 2010 rules should have classified broadband providers as common carriers along with telcos, and without that classification could not regulate their activities. (Wired, January 14, 2014, by David Kravets)
The FCC chair Tom Wheeler said about the ruling, “I am committed to maintaining our networks as engines for economic growth, test beds for innovative services and products, and channels for all forms of speech protected by the First Amendment. We will consider all available options, including those for appeal, to ensure that these networks on which the Internet depends continue to provide a free and open platform for innovation and expression, and operate in the interest of all Americans.” (Broadcasting & Cable, January 14, 2014, by John Eggerton)
“…the federal appellate court keeps the FCC’s disclosure rules in place, but sees the anti-discrimination and anti-blocking measures as subjecting companies like AT&T and Verizon to treatment as common carriers. The companies raised objections to such treatment including the First Amendment and an uncompensated taking,” wrote Eriq Gardner, Hollywood Reporter, January 14, 2014.