Net Neutrality Wins Victory In Federal Court

By Ian Bush

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Net neutrality: Ted Cruz once derided it as 'Obamacare for the Internet.' Supporters call it key to keeping the web on a level playing field for all. Now, a federal appeals court has handed a victory to the White House-backed plan.

However, the fight isn't over for either side.

These net neutrality rules, approved early last year by majority Democrats on the Federal Communications Commission, would regulate the Internet like a public utility.

"Think of the telephone company: they have to treat everyone and all calls equally. It can't make some calls clearer than others, some calls more likely to go through."

Robert Field is a professor at Drexel's Kline School of Law.

"The idea is that the Internet is the same -- regardless of whether you're Amazon, Walmart, a startup trying to create a new business, or you putting your information online. The company that carries your signal has to treat you the same as all the others."

In part, it means a company couldn't pay more to have its site or stream sped to your screen.

Republicans on the FCC, alongside service providers like Comcast and Verizon, have argued the rules will stifle innovation and lead to new taxes.

The broadband companies and groups that represent them are expected to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.