Partial Stay of Open Internet Order Sought

USTelecom, AT&T (NYSE:T), CenturyLink (NYSE:CTL), CTIA-the Wireless Association and the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association have jointly petitioned the FCC to stay the portion of its Open Internet order that places Internet access under Title II public utility regulation. The stay request does not affect the commission’s "bright line" rules that prohibit blocking, throttling and paid prioritization.

The petitioners want the commission to review the parts of its recent order that would subject broadband providers to Title II common carrier obligations, and the newly created Internet conduct standard that would allow the FCC to decide what new services carriers could offer.

The FCC issued the Open Internet order in February, and it is currently being challenged in court.

Update: The NCTA and the American Cable Association also have jointly filed a Petition for Stay Pending Judicial Review with the FCC concerning its Title II decision. The NCTA/ACA does not challenge the "bright line" rules. The stay petition was filed at the FCC, a procedural requirement before a similar request can be filed with the Court of Appeals.