Telecoms seek to block US reinstatement of net neutrality rules

WASHINGTON (Reuters) — Telecom industry groups are seeking to block the Biden administration’s reinstatement of landmark net neutrality rules set to take effect on July 22.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted in April along party lines to reassume regulatory oversight of broadband internet and reinstate open internet rules adopted in 2015 that were rescinded under former President Donald Trump.

The rules will bar internet service providers from blocking, slowing down traffic to certain websites, or engaging in paid prioritization of lawful content, as well as give the FCC new tools to crack down on Chinese telecom companies and the ability to monitor internet service outages.

Industry groups representing AT&T, Comcast, Verizon and others in recent days have filed legal challenges to the order in seven U.S. circuit courts.

The groups include USTelecom, NCTA, CTIA and ACA Connects, who asked the FCC to halt the order from taking effect so they can seek judicial review or if needed a court-issued order temporarily blocking the new rules.