Court Blocks FCC’s Reinstatement of Net Neutrality Rules for Broadband Internet

The court said, ‘Net neutrality is likely a major question requiring clear congressional authorization.’

Signage is seen at the headquarters of the Federal Communications Commission in Washington on Aug. 29, 2020. Andrew Kelly/Reuters

A U.S. appeals court on Aug. 1 temporarily blocked the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) reinstatement of Obama-era net neutrality regulations that would reclassify broadband internet.

The court found that several broadband companies will likely succeed in a legal challenge against reinstating the FCC rules that would classify broadband internet providers as common carriers and subject them to heightened regulatory requirements.