States join the net neutrality #resistance: Will it make a difference?

[Commentary] Network neutrality advocates have found some new allies in their efforts to combat the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Restoring Internet Freedom Order: state governments. But ultimately, these initiatives are likely to be more symbolic than substantial. While the Communications Act gives states a significant role in telecommunications regulation, both the statute and broader constitutional doctrines limit the ability of a single state (or even a group of states) to dictate national policy. Moreover, even if states had this power, it’s unclear they would want to do so, as current efforts may interfere with other important state broadband initiatives.

[Daniel Lyons is an associate professor at Boston College Law School]