Last week, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Cox in Cox v. Sony, a case concerning allegations of music piracy and the failure to terminate the accounts of alleged repeat infringers.

In the majority opinion, the Court determined that an internet service provider (ISP) cannot be held liable for user copyright infringement simply for not terminating the access of known repeat offenders. The Court explained that contributory liability necessitates proving a specific intent to infringe, such as actively encouraging infringement or designing a service specifically for that goal.

“INCOMPAS applauds the Supreme Court for its decision, which provides a critical safeguard for the competitive broadband industry and the consumers who rely on our networks," INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering said. "This ruling sends a clear message to Congress to reject heavy-handed mandates that would force broadband providers to police the internet, including dangerous proposals to compel blocking various content. Such mandates not only threaten the technical stability and security of our networks but also run counter to America’s strong tradition of free expression and an open internet. By rejecting boundless liability for network providers, the Court has ensured that competitive ISPs can continue investing their time and resources into deploying next-generation broadband rather than fighting frivolous, enterprise-ending litigation.”

Join JSI at one of its 2026 Management Seminars in Atlanta, Minneapolis or Austin to explore key industry topics, including FCC USF reform and funding outlook, ACAM and CAF programs, financial planning and operations, AI in the workplace, and M&A trends. Gain practical insights your team can apply right away.

• April 16-17—Atlanta (Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway)
• April 20-21—Austin (Downright Austin)
• April 23-24—Minneapolis (Hyatt Regency Mall of America, Bloomington)

Learn more and register here.

On March 20, intervenor briefs in support of the FCC were filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit case seeking review of the FCC’s fourth quarter 2025 universal service contribution factor.

NTCA said petitioners’ Administrative Procedure Act challenges depend upon multiple misstatements of law, and their challenge threatens key USF programs as well as the system of administration on which USF depends. The SHLB Coalition et al. said that although petitioners claim to be challenging the fourth-quarter 2025 contribution factor, they make no showing that the contribution factor was incorrectly calculated. Also, the American Library Association filed an amicus brief on March 20 in support of SHLB et al.

The House passed H.R. 2474, Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act, which would direct the Government Accountability Office to study whether satellite broadband can be effectively incorporated into broadband projects supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The study will assess the capacity and cost-effectiveness of satellite broadband to support businesses and economic development in rural and distressed Appalachian communities.