Network neutrality rules formally published; first legal challenge filed

Tough new network neutrality regulations were published in the Federal Register on April 13, triggering an effective date of June 12 and the first formal legal challenge to the controversial online traffic rules. US Telecom, a trade group whose members include AT&T and Verizon, filed a lawsuit on April 13 in the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to stop the rules.

The Federal Communications Commission approved the regulations by a 3-2 vote on Feb 26. The order's publication in the Federal Register, which generally takes a few weeks after new regulations are adopted, started a 60-day clock on its effective date -- unless a court blocks them. US Telecom filed suit, arguing the rules are "arbitrary and capricious" and violate federal law. The group's members support the goals of the regulations, to ensure the free flow of legal online content, US Telecom President Walter McCormick said. The suit was filed because the more stringent government oversight that comes with broadband's new regulatory classification will hinder investment in expanded networks and increase costs for users, he said. More suits are expected. A similar petition was filed last month in the US Court of Appeals in New Orleans by Alamo Broadband Inc., a small Internet service provider based in Elmendorf (TX).