FCC Net neutrality rules set to go into effect after court denies stay

The Federal Communications Commission's network neutrality rules will go into effect June 12 after a court decided not to block them. The US Court of Appeals in Washington, DC denied a request by several broadband providers and opponents to the FCC's Open Internet order or net neutrality rules. After the rules' passage in February, several companies and groups including AT&T, USTelecom, CTIA The Wireless Association and National Cable & Telecommunications Association challenged the rules in court asking for a stay.

"This is a huge victory for Internet consumers and innovators," said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. "Starting [June 12], there will be a referee on the field to keep the Internet fast, fair and open. Blocking, throttling, pay-for-priority fast lanes and other efforts to come between consumers and the Internet are now things of the past. The rules also give broadband providers the certainty and economic incentive to build fast and competitive broadband networks." The court did grant an expedited hearing of the case, meaning it could be argued as soon as the fall or early winter in 2015.