Several major internet service providers (ISPs) have joined forces to support Cox Communications' Supreme Court petition in an ongoing copyright infringement battle with major record labels. This case could have significant implications for internet access across the United States.

Key Developments:

• Altice USA, Frontier Communications, Lumen Technologies, and Verizon filed amicus briefs supporting Cox's petition
• Professor Alfred C. Yen also signed a supporting brief
• The case originates from a 2018 lawsuit filed by Sony Corp. and other music industry groups against Cox Communications
• Cox is challenging a February court decision that found them liable for secondary copyright infringement

Central Issue: Record labels argue that ISPs should be held responsible for copyright infringement committed by their users through online piracy. Cox contends that complying with the court's decision would require them to terminate internet service for entire institutions and households based solely on allegations of infringement by unidentified users.

Recent Developments:

• The Supreme Court previously upheld Cox's liability but threw out a $1 billion damage award
• A new trial has been ordered to determine appropriate damages
• Altice USA recently settled its own copyright infringement case with BMG

The outcome of this case could establish a significant precedent for how ISPs handle copyright infringement claims and potentially affect internet access availability for American consumers.

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