NCTA: We Won't Block Court Decision on FCC's Open Internet Order

There was swift and extensive reaction to oral argument in Verizon's challenge to the Federal Communication Commission's Open Internet order, including a promise from cable operators that whatever happens to the FCC's regulations, they will keep providing fast Internet and will not block access to lawful content, applications and services.

In an unsigned blog posting, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) said: "[N]o matter how the case comes out, cable broadband customers should have confidence that they will continue to enjoy the same fast and open Internet experience that millions of Americans cherish every day." Court watchers were giving fairly long odds that the FCC's rules would remain entirely intact, but NCTA said that even without those rules, "broadband providers would retain a strong incentive to ensure that consumers have the high-speed connections they need to access these offerings." And if there are bad actors, the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission have the authority to police them. "Thus, even if the FCC loses the case and its rules are overturned, one thing that will not change is consumers’ access to an open, growing and vibrant Internet," said NCTA.