Net neutrality rules to go into effect after court rejects bid to block them

In what FCC chairman Tom Wheeler calls 'a huge victory,' the rules will go into effect Friday despite a handful of lawsuits challenging them

Net neutrality rules will go into effect on Friday, after a federal court rejected a bid by cable and telecommunication companies to stay the rules while a lawsuit challenging them is pending.

"This is a huge victory for internet consumers and innovators!" Tom Wheeler, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, said in a statement. "Starting Friday, there will be a referee on the field to keep the internet fast, fair and open."