Netflix, Dish And Others Oppose ISPs' Latest Challenge To Net Neutrality Rules

Netflix and Dish Network are joining with consumer groups to urge a federal appellate court to reject broadband providers' latest attempt to challenge the net neutrality rules. The rules, passed in 2015 by the Federal Communications Commission, reclassified broadband access as a utility service and imposed common-carrier obligations on broadband providers. The regulations prohibit Internet service providers from blocking or degrading traffic, and from engaging in paid prioritization. The FCC also broadly banned providers from hindering Web users and content companies from connecting with each other online -- although the scope of that prohibition remains uncertain. In June, a three-judge panel of the DC Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the rules. The panel specifically rejected Internet service providers' argument that the FCC lacked authority to classify broadband service as a utility.

The ISPs recently asked the appellate court for a new hearing in front of additional judges. This week, the FCC filed papers opposing that request. A coalition including Netflix, Dish and various advocacy groups like Free Press and Public Knowledge also opposes the request. They argue that the broadband providers haven't raised the kinds of legal issues that warrant a new hearing.