Federal Appeals Court Rejects Attempts to Stall FCC ‘Net Neutrality’ Rules
Decision a big defeat for telecom companies
Ira Teinowitz | June 11, 2015 @ 2:04 PM
Last Updated: June 11, 2015 @ 2:25 PM
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Net neutrality will become the law of the land on June 12. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on Thursday rejected telecom providers’ pleas to delay the FCC’s net neutrality order.
In a two-page order, the court said the stay request was denied because “Petitioners have not satisfied the stringent requirements for a stay pending court review.”
The court, while not approving any delay in the order taking effect approved an expedited briefing schedule for deciding whether the FCC went too far in its order.
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler on Thursday called the decision a major win.
“This is a huge victory for Internet consumers and innovators! Starting Friday, there will be a referee on the field to keep the Internet fast, fair and open,” Wheeler said. “Blocking, throttling, pay-for-priority fast lanes and other efforts to come between consumers and the Internet are now things of the past. The rules also give broadband providers the certainty and economic incentive to build fast and competitive broadband networks.”
Internet service providers and some mobile providers have challenged the FCC’s net neutrality action as an attempt to assert “unprecedented regulatory power over the Internet,” a “breathtaking” “about-face.”
While the appeals court considers that challenge, US Telecom, the National Cable and Telecommunications Associations, the CTIA, AT&T, the American Cable Association, Centurylink and the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association all asked the court to delay the rules from taking effect.
The groups contend they aren’t trying to prevent the FCC from enforcing net neutrality, but instead to prevent the agency from using its authority to regulate telephone lines to also regulate Internet connections.
In requesting the delay, all the business groups contended that the FCC’s action would create irreparable harm while a delay would have little impact.
In a statement on Thursday, USTelecom President & CEO Walter B. McCormick Jr said while the group was disappointed,the court’s decision to grant expedited briefing shows the gravity of the issues at stake and will facilitate a quicker path to determining the proper legal treatment for regulating broadband Internet access service.
Consumer groups and congressional supporters of net neutrality on Thursday praised the decision.
“The D.C. Circuit made the right call, thwarting this latest attempt to strip Internet users of the protections they deserve,” Free Press Policy Director Matt Wood said. “The Court recognized what we have long known: The FCC’s Open Internet framework poses no threat to broadband providers’ business interests.”
Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, D-Calif., ranking member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, said the result is welcome.
“On June 12 millions of Americans will receive what they’ve long asked for: effective, enforceable net neutrality protections to keep the Internet free and open,” Eshoo said. “The Court’s decision today is a critical validation that the new rules to protect an open Internet are grounded in strong legal footings and can endure future challenges by broadband providers. Millions of consumers, entrepreneurs, innovators and others stand by this and today the Court agreed with them.”
Meredith Attwell Baker, president-CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association, said the decision not to delay the rule was disappointing but noted the court’s willingness to move forward quickly to resolve the issues raised by the challengers’ claims that the FCC had overreached.
“Today’s decision by the court to expedite the case is good news, demonstrating the seriousness of the FCC’s complete and sudden reversal of decades of bipartisan policy,” Baker said. “While the stay decision is disappointing and a loss for consumers, securing a judicial stay is always a challenge given the extremely high standards. This case is just beginning and the stakes are high.
“The wireless industry seeks to restore [an] approach so consumers can benefit from competition and innovation, rather than suffer the harmful consequences of the FCC’s overreach that would imperil new services and inhibit investment,” she said.
45 Hollywood Social Media Stars: Periscope, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram (Photos)
Ellen DeGeneres on Periscope: Along with offering up some fun behind-the-scenes content, DeGeneres has promoted the Periscope app on her show and encouraged audience participation.
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Dwayne Johnson on Periscope: The Rock was an early user of the app and played up Periscope to promote the “Furious 7” movie premieres.
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Josh Malina on Periscope: The “Scandal” star (also known for his work on “The West Wing” and “Sports Night”) has earned lots of love by engaging in AMAs on Periscope from his home office, plus taking people on a tour of the “Scandal” set, featuring his co-stars.
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Aaron Paul on Periscope: While not the most active user, he delivered one of the most talked about live streams on Periscope.
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Adam Shapiro and Cristela Alonzo on Periscope: Shapiro was an early Periscope adopter, streaming live from the “Scandal” set with his wife Katie Lowes. The charismatic comedian then teamed up with costar Alonzo to connect with fans and build buzz for the season finale of ABC’s “Cristela” using the hashtag #CristelaShappyPeriscopeParty.
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Chris Sacca & Matt Mazzeo, Lowercase Capital on Periscope: The L.A.-based early stage investors have been busy answering tech investing questions all around town, be it the beach or a hackathon at UCLA, in addition to Mazzeo’s morning talk show with coffee klatch partner Abby Chambers.
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Shonda Rhimes on Periscope: The Shondaland creator tweeted, "Just tested out #Periscope for the first time. Live streaming from my office. Back to writing." Find her at ShondaRhimes.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger on Periscope: Arnie was one of the first celebs to join Periscope, and now already has 11,455 followers. He is also big on Snapchat. Find him at Schwarzenegger.
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Tyra Banks on Periscope: The model/actress has been smizing (smiling with your eyes) on Twitter's live-streaming platform.
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Mario Batali on Periscope: Batali was one of the first celebrities granted early access to the platform with a beta version.
Sophia Bush on Periscope: The "One Tree Hill" alum was one of the first celebrities granted early access to the platform with a beta version.
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Mark Cuban, mcuban, on Periscope: Cuban was one of the first celebrities granted early access to the platform with a beta version.
Rihanna on Snapchat: There have been Snapchat accounts masquerading as the singer for years but Rihanna didn’t officially join the platform until April. Since then, RiRi, her entourage and a couple of troll dolls have been featured in the disappearing snaps. The singer is a reluctant subject at times but always entertaining.
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Cody Simpson, CodySimpson, on Snapchat: His Snapchat account recently came under fire for allegedly exposing his girlfriend doing drugs. But more traditional snaps feature the laid-back artist performing, surfing or spending time at the beach with friends.
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Hailee Steinfeld, HaileeSteinfeld, on Snapchat: Steinfeld is best known to movie fans for 2010’s “True Grit,” for which the teen was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. But the LA-native and star in the upcoming “Pitch Perfect 2” is also an avid Snapchat fan who shares behind the scenes snaps from on set via her own account and from the movie’s marketing account with “Pitch Perfect 2” costar Chrissie Fit.
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Jared Leto on Snapchat: Leto communicates regularly with fans across multiple social platforms, teasing the reveal of his “Suicide Squad” haircut on Twitter and Instagram recently. The actor’s championed Snapchat’s crude drawing tool, using the app to scribble messages and ask for fan feedback. But he’s best known for his psychedelic snaps. Whether at an awards show in Hollywood or on tour in Russia with his band Thirty Seconds to Mars, the Oscar winner’s specialty is decorating his Snapchat selfies with neon war paint. Follow him at jaredleto.
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Ryan Seacrest on Snapchat: Seacrest’s unique access to Hollywood’s hottest events and biggest stars is reflected on Snapchat much like it is online and on-air. Follow him at ryanseacrest.
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Nev Schulman, nevschulman, on Snapchat: The TV host and self-described social media addict spends less time on Snapchat promoting his show than he does offering followers an authentic and unscripted window into his personal life.
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Shay Mitchell on Snapchat: The young actress is in the sweet spot for Snapchat’s demo, attracting young fans to her mix of on-set snaps and attractive selfies. And as the only one of the four PLL female leads active on Snapchat, her behind-the-scenes snaps are especially coveted for their exclusive access. Find her at shaymitch.
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Keegan Allen on Snapchat: Allen, best known as heartthrob Toby Cavanaugh on the show, offers fans an inside look at the making of the series. But Allen’s also used his social clout on Snapchat to promote his own career as a photographer and recently published a book of his work, “life.love.beauty.”
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Kevin Jonas on Snapchat: He’s used Snapchat himself for everything from behind the scenes snapshots while taping “Celebrity Apprentice” and screen time with influencers like Shonduras and Casey Neistat to a dentist visit and baby photos of daughter Alena.
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Diplo on Snapchat: Recently, he used the app to tease a collaboration with Skrillex (aka skrilloo on Snapchat) and Missy Elliott and also shares candid snaps from the road turning a recent trip to South America into a Snapchat travelogue.
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Fifth Harmony on Snapchat: The group formed on the second season of The X Factor has posted performances, fan encounters and rehearsal selfies. They’ve also used the platform to mobilize their Harmonizer fan base around the group’s first studio album, “Reflection,” using the mobile platform to officially announce the album’s track list before its February 3 debut.
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Brett Eldredge/Luke Bryan on Snapchat: The country singers get honorable mention as snapper newbies. They each announced their Snapchat accounts on March 9. Eldredge has used the mobile app to show his off his silly side, engaging in a staring contest with followers and posting snaps of his puppies. Bryan held a Snapchat scavenger hunt, hiding swag in a cooler in the sand at Panama Beach City for fans to find.
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Anna Kendrick on Twitter: When she’s not shooting off self-deprecating zingers or sharing her food porn proclivities, the “Pitch Perfect” star loves a live TV event (looking at you NBC). She’s so fast and funny, you half-expect her to reveal a writing team behind each tweet.
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Zach Braff on Twitter: Things you can’t miss if you follow Braff on Twitter: There isn’t a selfie he doesn’t like, “Scrubs” lives on and the bromance with Donald Faison will last forever. And, like so many stars, he loves a live musical TV event.
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Billy Eichner on Twitter: In one subtweet, Eichner manages to skewer the entire TV musical genre and pin it all on “Sound of Music” sweetheart Carrie Underwood.
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Will Wheaton on Twitter: Comedy Central owes the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” star a paycheck, benefits and a yearly bonus. When Wheaton isn’t guesting on friend Chris Hardwick’s internet-themed improv show “@Midnight,” he’s racking up points and retweets playing the show’s hashtag games like #XmasAMovie or #StonerSports. Will gets our vote as a very punny guy.
William Shatner on Twitter: The onetime Captain Kirk is just as likely to be found live-tweeting CW or SyFy dramas as engaging in Twitter feuds or railing over his pet peeve: Twitter’s verified accounts.
Mia Farrow on Twitter: Farrow is as likely to tweet about the “Sound of Music Live” and “Peter Pan Live” as she is about civil rights, global injustice or tune-in alerts for son Ronan Farrow’s MSNBC show.
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Josh Groban on Twitter: In between concert updates, a lot of dog tweets and flirting with Twitter friends like Anna Kendrick and Michael Buble, Groban spoke for us all when he praised staged-for-TV musicals as a great American holiday tradition.
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Judge Reinhold on Twitter: The “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” star can’t seem to post enough #TBT (Throwback Thursday) snapshots. But he gets a special mention for pulling this 1982 headgear shot out of the archives and comparing himself to Christopher Walken during NBC’s live musical event, “Peter Pan Live.”
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Jerome Jarre on Snapchat: In 2014, he was the fourth most followed individual on Vine, and in 2013, he co-founded GrapeStory, a talent agency for Vine and Snapchat stars.
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Shaun McBride on Snapchat: Known by his username, Shonduras, he became famous for his art work, and he is making thousands of dollars in advertising deals.
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Sanjay Gupta on Periscope: CNN's doctor brought Periscope into Surgery with him.
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Jimmy Fallon on Snapchat: The Tonight Show has started posting their line-up for their upcoming shows to their Snapchat users, with artsy drawings and graphics.
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Tony Reali on Snapchat: He often takes over Good Morning America's Snapchat, and even live snapped/chatted Taylor Swift's concert in 2014.
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Carson Daly on Periscope: Daly will often tweet that he is live streaming using Periscope, whether it's backstage at The Today Show or at The Voice.
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David Beckham on Facebook: The soccer player has 50,654,657 likes on Facebook, posting personal pictures and videos. Also, Beckham just became an instagram user a couple of days ago.
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Vin Diesel on Facebook: Mashable called him the second most popular person on Facebook after President Obama. Currently, he has 91,714,170 likes, and is known to his followers as authentic.
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Shakira on Facebook: The singer has 100,233,197 likes on her Facebook page, making her the most-liked celebrity on this platform.
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Justin Bieber on Twitter: Bieber has the second-highest following on Twitter, after Katy Perry, with 63.3 million followers.
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Kim Kardashian on Instagram: The reality star is evidently one of the most followed Instagram users, with a total of 31.5 million followers. Her wedding photo with Kanye West was also the most liked instagram photo of all time.
Marcus Johns on Periscope: Johns already enjoys celebrity status inside the Twitter ecosystem, thanks to his popular Vine account. Some of his entertaining streams have included aerobic dancing on Hollywood Blvd in fluorescent green shorts.
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Amanda Oleander on Periscope: A Los Angeles-based artist, Oleander quickly became one of Periscope’s most popular personalities. “I was surprised. I have never been really popular on any other social media app,” Oleander told TheWrap in an interview. She says her streams are focused around motivational talks, exploring Los Angeles and connecting with her audience.
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Twitter, Periscope and Snapchat stars top the list of our favorite social media users
Ellen DeGeneres on Periscope: Along with offering up some fun behind-the-scenes content, DeGeneres has promoted the Periscope app on her show and encouraged audience participation.