Telecommunications Companies Seek FCC Stay Of Title II

In a joint petition, USTelecom, CTIA, AT&T, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association and CenturyLink have asked the Federal Communications Commission to stay its Feb. 26 order classifying Internet access as a Title II common carrier service. They have all challenged the new open Internet order in court as well. In their motion, they point out that the FCC was sharply divided. But that still leaves a majority backing the decision, and an FCC stay is highly unlikely. The rules go into effect mid-June unless they are stayed by the FCC or the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, which is hearing the appeals of the decision. "Petitioners request that the Commission immediately stay the Order insofar as it subjects broadband Internet access service and the interconnection of Internet Protocol ('IP') networks to Title II, including the broad, but amorphous, 'Internet conduct standard' that allows the Commission to adjudicate whether new and innovative services and offerings may proceed," they said.