FCC won’t appeal Internet neutrality ruling

WASHINGTON – The Federal Communications Commission says it won’t appeal a court decision that struck down rules it designed to ensure that the transmission of all Internet content be treated equally. The agency says it will fashion new rules.

The chairman of the FCC announced Wednesday that the agency will rewrite the anti-discrimination and anti-blocking rules following the ruling by a federal appeals court last month. The ruling said the FCC has the authority to regulate broadband providers’ treatment of Internet traffic, but the agency failed to establish that its regulations don’t overreach.

The court’s decision could affect the prices consumers pay to access entertainment, news and other online content.

FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said in a statement the agency will propose new rules to meet the court’s requirements.

The FCC’s “net neutrality” rules barred broadband providers from prioritizing some types of Internet traffic over others. The directives aligned with the Obama administration’s goal of Internet openness. President Barack Obama has said “net neutrality” is an issue he cares deeply about, partly because his campaign was powered by an Internet free of commercial barriers.

Proponents of net neutrality maintain it ensures a level playing field for big and small companies. They believe it protects consumers and competition and fosters innovation.

Wheeler said that in writing the new rules, the FCC “will look for opportunities to enhance Internet access competition.”