“Net Neutrality” Rules To Set Off New Lawsuits.

“Net Neutrality” has long been an interest of mine and, in the past, I have written several blogs on the subject. I believe that the recent decision on this issue will have a huge impact on our industry in the future.

On September 22, 2011, the FCC received approval from Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to adopt “net neutrality” rules based on the Commission’s Open Internet Order. These new rules go into effect on November 30, 2011. The rules are intended to “to preserve the Internet as an open platform for innovation, investment, job creation, economic growth, competition, and free expression.”

Under these new rules, fixed and mobile broadband providers must disclose their network management practices, performance characteristics, and the terms and conditions of their broadband services. Broadband providers are precluded from blocking lawful content, applications, and services. This goes to the heart of last year’s Comcast lawsuit. Comcast’s suit contended that the content being blocked was for network utilization protections only.

There is no doubt that these new rules will set off a number of new lawsuits from companies that have opposed “net neutrality” rules.

Thanks to Miller Isar Inc’s Regulatory Review for this information. If you want to be added to their list contact Andrew Isar at 253-851-6700.