Net Neutrality Struck Down in Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

Net neutrality was struck down in a ruling by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, as the three judge panel made a ruling that would prevent the FCC from regulating broadband providers in the manner laid out in the most recent proposed reinstated net neutrality rules under FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel.

The court made the ruling based on an interpretation of broadband as a Title I information provider, and not a Title II telecommunication classification, the latter of which would give the FCC more leeway to impose restrictions.

In response to the decision, Rosenworcel issued a statement urging Congress to take up the matter.

“Consumers across the country have told us again and again that they want an internet that is
fast, open, and fair, wrote Rosenworcel. "With this decision it is clear that Congress now needs to heed their call, take up the charge for net neutrality, and put open internet principles in federal law.”

The broadband industry will likely see this as a positive development, as net neutrality regulations were looked at with skepticism from some parts of the industry.

What is the future of net neutrality?

Rosenworcel is set to leave her post at the FCC on January 20th, and the Republican Brendan Carr will take over the role.

With Carr taking over as FCC chair, it would seem unlikely that an FCC-led net neutrality in this form will be on the table again any time soon.