Focus Turns to Judge Tatel in Latest Appeal of Net Neutrality Rules

As a high-stakes appeal of the government’s network neutrality rule looms, telecommunications companies have found cause to take heart: The same judge who shot down two previous versions of the rule will help decide the latest challenge. But Judge David Tatel’s presence on the three-judge panel for the closely watched Dec. 4 appeal doesn’t necessarily mean the Federal Communications Commission and its high-profile rules are in trouble again, backers of the regulation say. They contend Judge Tatel’s selection could even boost the odds of victory for the FCC.