WASHINGTON – U. S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) praised the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for ruling to sustain the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 2015 rulemaking to classify broadband internet as a “telecommunications service” under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals ensures the principles of network neutrality will preserve and protect the open internet as a place for innovation and free expression.

“The U.S. Court of Appeals was right to ensure that Americans can access a free and open internet. The potential imposition of so called ‘fast lanes’ for internet access would have stymied innovation and economic progress in the United States. Millions of Americans spoke out through the internet to ensure that content remains driven by people and ideas – and not restricted by multinational corporations. The FCC’s clear and enforceable ‘bright line’ rules will remain in place to make certain the internet remains open for all voices and thoughts.

“I encourage the millions of internet users who were instrumental in shining a light on this critical issue to remain engaged and continue to advocate that the internet remains an open forum for the free flow of ideas.”

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