FCC won't contest net neutrality verdict, will set new rules

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- The Federal Communication Commission has said that it will not challenge a federal court's ruling on net neutrality, instead Chairman Tom Wheeler has said that they will frame new rules in accordance with the ruling.

Last month, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the FCC cannot prohibit internet providers from selectively blocking or slowing traffic to certain online companies, such as Netflix. But at the same time the court also said that the agency has the authority, under Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, to preserve a free and open internet.

"I intend to accept that invitation by proposing rules that will meet the court’s test for preventing improper blocking of and discrimination among Internet traffic, ensuring genuine transparency in how Internet Service Providers manage traffic, and enhancing competition," Wheeler said in a statement.

The FCC in 2010 issued the Open Internet Order, which prohibited internet providers from blocking or charging online content providers. Verizon challenged this order and won a favorable ruling last month, which means they and other internet providers can now charge for these services.

Wheeler said he hopes that until they craft new rules, companies will continue to follow the FCC's original open Internet rules. The agency expects to frame new rules by late spring or summer after which the commission will vote on them.

Not all the members of the commission are on board with framing new rules.

"I am deeply concerned by the announcement that the FCC will begin considering new ways to regulate the Internet," said FCC commissioner Mike O'Rielly in a statement.

[FCC] [USAToday]