The U.S. Federal Communications Commission won a legal battle against cable and telecom companies. Internet providers filled a lawsuit against the FFC for writing a set of strict rules that went far beyond their mandate at that time.
For the Washington Federal Court, The Internet is a giant telephone network, and companies that provide the internet must offer to users the same protection the government has imposed on phone companies for decades.
Therefore, for the judges, it was clear that FCC’s goal was to reclassify the Internet as a common carrier, a needed utility. In the 184-page opinion, judges determined that the FFC followed proper procedure and was within its authority on imposing rules that require internet companies treat all traffic equality.
Rules for a more open internet
The FFC banned blocking or slowing down websites that telecommunications companies do not have a commercial relationship with when users are reaching them. This is in response to the different treatment some site receive when they have a business relationship with internet providers.
FCC is allowed to investigate suspicious ISP activity in case it does not represent a general conduct standard. For example., if the FFC considers that a certain practice is not following the rules, then the agency can go after a case-by-case basis.
According to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler, this new rules will provide equal treatment of all Internet traffic.
“Today’s ruling is a victory for consumers and innovators who deserve unfettered access to the entire web, and it ensures the internet remains a platform for unparalleled innovation, free expression and economic growth,” FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said in a statement. “After a decade of debate and legal battles, today’s ruling affirms the Commission’s ability to enforce the strongest possible internet protections – both on fixed and mobile networks – that will ensure the internet remains open, now and in the future.”
He said in an interview with USA Today that as (U.S. cable and telecom giants) internet providers keep making record profits, and it will get harder and harder to argue against it. This is regarding the fact that U.S. consumers watch video entertainment on Web-based services such as Netflix and Hulu, as well as Amazon and Google’s YouTube.
He said that Americans are using more data since it is possible to send video or digital pictures in social media services like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat
Data traffic has been one of the main issues in America. Internet companies claim that data-hungry applications are straining their network even if this could have been beneficial to them. However, Wheeler also remarked that the appeals court could recognize high-speed Internet service as the utility, like to water or electric service that all Americans should have equal access to.
Source: SMH