Internet Association Files Motion To Intervene In Net Neutrality Repeal Case

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[Press release] Internet Association filed a motion for leave to intervene in the federal court case against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) challenging the repeal of strong net neutrality protections. The filing is another step in a long line of legal, policy, and advocacy steps that IA and its member companies have taken to preserve net neutrality protections. 

IA’s motion focuses on three key areas:

  • The removal of rules against blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization distort competition and makes it harder for consumers to reach content – especially when so many Americans lack any choice for their ISP. From the filing:
    • “Without these legal protections, internet companies and consumers will have no effective legal recourse against broadband providers that distort competition and impede communication by preventing or discouraging consumers from reaching the online content of their choice. This is particularly problematic given that nearly half of Americans have no choice of wireline provider for high-speed broadband service.”
  • The removal of well-established, bright line net neutrality rules harms internet companies’ ability to reach customers across the country. From the filing:
    • “To attract investment and growth, online content providers (such as many of the Internet Association’s members) need assurance of a baseline level of nondiscriminatory treatment by all internet service providers, so they can develop, market, and offer content and services across the country regardless of a potential customer’s choice of broadband provider. The Commission’s Order has eliminated the clear and predictable ex ante rules that supported such investment and innovation.”
  • The FCC’s new rules harm future growth and investment in the internet ecosystem. From the filing:
    • “Today, the internet contributes more than 6 percent of U.S. GDP, over 3 million direct American jobs, and nearly 24 million additional online income opportunities in every state. By eliminating the net neutrality protections against harmful broadband provider conduct, the Commission’s Order breaks the cycle of innovation and investment that has allowed the Internet Association’s members to bring innovation and choice to consumers.”

Internet Association Files Motion To Intervene In Net Neutrality Repeal Case read the filing