USTelecom, a trade association that represents broadband companies, released a report on Thursday that showed investment in broadband grew from $74.8 billion in 2016 to $76.3 billion in 2017.

The group is one of several that have joined lawsuits against Vermont and California over their net neutrality laws.

The FCC rescinded the protections in December 2017. At the time, Pai called the rules “heavy-handed” and has argued that regulations stifled investment and innovation.

Pai applauded the increase in investment in a statement released on Thursday, echoing his deregulation arguments in favor of repealing net neutrality.

Pai did not directly reference the FCC’s net neutrality repeal but hinted at the 2015 Open Internet Order, which enshrined the protections.