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Net Neutrality: It's Not Dead Yet Like the Monty Python skit, net neutrality lives on. It's not the law. But it survives in lawsuits. Net neutrality will (once again) have its day in court: This time, on Feb. 1, when Mozilla v. FCC is scheduled for the D.C. Circuit Court docket. On that date, multiple players will line up on each side of the net-neutrality divide in front of a three-judge panel. In Case No. 18-1051, plaintiff Mozilla lines up against the Federal Communications Commission to argue for a return to the 2015 net neutrality regime enacted under former FCC Chair Tom Wheeler via Title II of the "Open Internet Order." Defendant FCC wants its 2017 "Restoring Internet Freedom" to stay on the books. In reality, whether Mozilla wins or loses its case, the battle over net neutrality most likely will continue. Here's why:
Should US voters elect a Democrat president in 2020, that does not automatically mean the FCC will change. It's an independent commission, supposedly run free of White House politics. Commissioners have set terms but can leave at any time and may stay on for up to a year or so after their term ends should they desire (and if a replacement is not eagerly awaiting).Recent history suggests, however, it's typically sympathetic to whoever's in charge of the country. When former President Barack Obama suggested net neutrality was important, Wheeler concurred and acted -- despite much hand-wringing and angst from their Republican adversaries, including Pai. Once in authority, Pai was quick to change the FCC's stance. No doubt, if the president's party changes in 2020, the status of net neutrality could once again change. And more lawsuits will clutter the D.C. Circuit Court, leading potentially to SCOTUS. Related posts:
— Alison Diana, Editor, Broadband World News. Follow us on Twitter or @alisoncdiana.
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