NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: January 14, 2014 Justin Cole, 202-418-8191 E-mail: justin.cole@fcc.gov STATEMENT BY FCC CHAIRMAN TOM WHEELER REGARDING DC CIRCUIT OPINION ON THE FCC’S OPEN INTERNET RULES Washington, D.C. – FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler issued the following statement today regarding an opinion issued today by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on a challenge of the Commission’s Open Internet rules: “The D.C. Circuit has correctly held that ‘Section 706 . . . vests [the Commission] with affirmative authority to enact measures encouraging the deployment of broadband infrastructure’ and therefore may ‘promulgate rules governing broadband providers’ treatment of Internet traffic.’ I am committed to maintaining our networks as engines for economic growth, test beds for innovative services and products, and channels for all forms of speech protected by the First Amendment. We will consider all available options, including those for appeal, to ensure that these networks on which the Internet depends continue to provide a free and open platform for innovation and expression, and operate in the interest of all Americans.” -FCC- News about the Federal Communications Commission can also be found on the Commission’s web site www.fcc.gov.