FCC is wisely taking its time on network neutrality action

[Commentary] The Federal Communications Commission has decided to put off action on net neutrality until 2015, drawing protests from those lobbying for strict regulation of Internet service providers. It's tempting to argue that the delay gives the commission time to develop a consensus, but that's a fool's errand on a topic that's so polarizing. Instead, the agency needs the extra weeks to build a more defensible case for its rules, given the inevitability that someone will challenge them in court.

Reclassification of broadband provides a clearer legal foundation for stopping ISPs from meddling with their customers' choice of sites, services and apps. But it makes sense only if the FCC shields ISPs from the vast majority of the rules that local phone monopolies and other communications utilities face, such as price controls. Some opponents of reclassification argue that it won't be so easy to waive those rules, and while it's absurd to think ISPs would sue the FCC for not regulating them enough, the FCC still needs to examine that issue carefully and build a thorough record supporting its decision. If that takes more time, so be it. The point is to preserve the status quo online, and any rules to do so will be worthless if they get overturned on appeal.