WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit rejected a challenge by Internet Service Providers, upholding the Federal Communications Commission’s Open Internet Order, ruling that the agency exercised its proper authority when it reclassified broadband internet access as a telecom service in February 2015.
This ruling affirms the basic rules long sought by a broad coalition that includes musicians, internet users, civil rights groups, public interest organizations, and technologists.
FMC National Organizing Director Kevin Erickson released the following statement:
Today’s ruling is a major victory for musicians who use the Internet to connect with audiences, earn their livelihoods, and express themselves creatively. These protections will help ensure that creators and consumers alike enjoy the benefits of a level playing field online.
Net neutrality is the engine of a free and competitive marketplace where a great song, idea or innovation has a chance to find an audience, and musicians have led the charge for over a decade. We’re grateful to music fans who raised their voices in record number in support of the open internet, as well as independent labels and countless others in the music community who have been strong allies on this issue.
Now it’s time for Congress and the private sector to let the FCC do its job and enforce these rules. Our community will remain steadfast against any efforts to roll back these important protections.
Future of Music Coalition is a national non-profit education, research and advocacy organization that seeks a bright future for creators and listeners. FMC works towards this goal through continuous interaction with its primary constituency — musicians — and in collaboration with other creator/public interest groups. More