The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has ruled that the Federal Communications Commission overstepped its bounds when it restricted Comcast's ability to block or slow traffic from peer-sharing Web site Bit Torrent. The move is expected to produce a new regulatory push, an investment boom, or both. Bruce Mehlman, former assistant secretary of commerce for technology policy, however, said the decision may help speed the development of faster and more robust networks.

"It may drive greater investment in broadband networks by removing regulatory uncertainty and perceived disincentives to invest in infrastructure," Mehlman said. SEE ALSO: Coverage from PCWorld and The New York Times