AT&T court win over FCC could make it impossible for agency to fine carriers

AT&T court win over FCC could make it impossible for agency to fine carriers

One court said FCC violated right to trial, but other courts haven’t ruled yet.

Judges Appear Skeptical of Fifth Circuit Decision Tossing AT&T Fine

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2025 – Second Circuit Judges appeared skeptical Tuesday of parts of another court’s rationale for tossing a $57 million fine against AT&T.The Federal Communications Commission fined the three major wireless carriers more than $200 million collectively for failing to properly vet third parties to whom it was selling location data in 2018. All three fought the fines in court, and the Second Circuit heard oral arguments in Ver…

Fifth Circuit Decision Puts FCC Forfeiture Authority in Question

On April 17, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated a $57 million forfeiture order issued by the FCC against AT&T, ruling that the FCC violated the Constitution by imposing the penalty without first bringing the case to a federal court. The decision in AT&T v. FCC could significantly alter the FCC’s ability to impose monetary penalties through its internal enforcement process, and it may signal a broader judicial rethinkin…