Net Neutrality: Internet Provider Groups Sue to Block New California Rules

<p>Four industry groups representing major <strong>Internet providers</strong> and cable companies filed suit on Wednesday seeking to block California's new law to mandate net neutrality rules.</p> <p>The groups represent companies including AT&amp;T, Verizon Communications, Comcast Corp and Charter Communications. The lawsuit came after the US Justice Department on Sunday filed its own lawsuit to block the new law.</p> <p>The lawsuit filed by the <strong>American Cable Association,</strong> <strong>CTIA </strong>- <strong>The Wireless Association, NCTA </strong>- <strong>The Internet &amp; Television Association and USTelecom</strong> - <strong>The Broadband Association, </strong>called California's law a "classic example of unconstitutional state regulation" and urged the court to block it before it is set to take effect January 1.</p> <p>US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on Sunday in a statement that the "the California legislature has enacted an extreme and illegal state law attempting to frustrate federal policy."</p> <p>This marked the latest clash between the Trump administration and California, which have sparred over environmental, immigration and other hot-button issues.</p> <p>In December, the Federal Communications Commission said in repealing the Obama-era rules that it was preempting states from setting their own rules governing Internet access.</p> <p><strong>California Attorney General Xavier Becerra</strong> said on Sunday the Trump Administration was ignoring "millions of Americans who voiced strong support for net neutrality rules."</p> <p>The <strong>Trump </strong>administration rules were a win for Internet providers but opposed by companies like <strong>Facebook, Amazon.com, and Alphabet.</strong></p> <p>Under <strong>President Donald Trump</strong>, the <strong>FCC </strong>voted 3-2 in December along party lines to reverse rules that barred Internet service providers from blocking or throttling traffic or offering paid fast lanes, also known as paid prioritizsation.</p> <p>In August, 22 states and a coalition of trade groups representing major tech companies urged a federal appeals court to reinstate the rules. The states argue that the FCC cannot preempt state rule because it is not setting any limits on conduct by Internet providers.</p> <p>A federal judge on Monday set a November 14 hearing in Sacramento on the Justice Department lawsuit.</p>