Happy Net Neutrality Day! This is the day the Federal Communications Commission's new rules protecting the open internet and firmly establishing net neutrality go into effect. This day is made even sweeter by the
refusal of the DC Circuit Court to stop the rules from being implemented pending the outcome of lawsuits brought by the telecoms.
The Internet providers "have not satisfied the stringent requirements for a stay pending court review," the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said in its ruling today.
The court did approve the providers' request to expedite the case, however. "The parties are directed to file a proposed briefing format and schedule within 14 days of the date of this order," the decision said.
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler
celebrated the decision.
"This is a huge victory for Internet consumers and innovators! Starting Friday, 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."
This doesn't mean the fight is over, by any means. Not in court and particularly not in the Republican Congress. Right now, House Republicans are
trying to block the rules in a sneak attack in an appropriations bill. But they won't be able to take this victory away from us if we don't let them.
Stop this sneak attack against net neutrality: Demand Congress stop siding with cable companies and protect net neutrality.