WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court has upheld the government’s “net neutrality” rules that require internet providers to treat all web traffic equally.

The ruling Tuesday from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is a win for the Obama administration, consumer groups and content companies such as Netflix that want to prevent online content from being blocked or channeled into fast and slow lanes.

The rules treat broadband service like a public utility and prevent internet service providers from offering preferential treatment to sites that pay for faster service.

Providers like Comcast, Verizon and AT&T say the rules threaten innovation and undermine investment in broadband infrastructure.