Net neutrality takes effect June 12; ISPs scramble to avoid complaints

The Federal Communications Commission's network neutrality rules take effect June 12, and they've already had a noticeable impact on the behavior of Internet service providers. The FCC passed the rules on February 26, but they didn't get published in the Federal Register until April 13. The publication date started the 60-day waiting period until the rules take effect, and it has been a busy two months.

ISPs have asked a federal court to halt the implementation of the rules pending a final judgment on their lawsuit against the commission. But the settlements with ISPs, Cogent and Level 3 indicate that they expect the rules to take effect. If any disputes remain unresolved on June 12, the FCC could field some complaints. "I sincerely hope I don’t have to file any, but I am also prepared," Cogent CEO Dave Schaeffer said in May. "If any of the mass market ISPs violate the consumer protection provisions outlined in the Open Internet Order, we will go to the [FCC's] Enforcement Bureau and file a complaint."