Internet service providers (ISPs) have always been committed to and offered American consumers a powerful, open internet experience so they can enjoy the web content, services and applications of their choosing.
The broadband industry has embraced and fostered the development of an open Internet where companies do not block, throttle or otherwise interfere with the customer’s desire to go wherever they want on the internet. Consumers demand it and, more importantly, it makes good business sense to provide customers full value for their internet connections.
Prior to 2015, bipartisan federal internet policy unanimously supported a “light touch” regulatory model which provided the incentive to invest and build some of the most advanced networks in the world. Since the mid-1990s, $1.4 trillion in private investment was injected into building powerful networks that are available to most Americans, in urban and rural communities.
But the FCC’s misguided 2015 decision to impose heavy government regulation of the internet networks raises costs, which are ultimately born by consumers, and threatens the continued growth and expansion of internet networks throughout America. Consumers are best served by policies that encourage ongoing investment and innovation especially as technology changes, as network demands increase, and as stakeholders focus on closing the digital divide in every community across America.
Only Congress has the power to conclusively settle this debate and provide the FCC with clear authority to enforce open internet principles.?It is time for bipartisan legislation that will end the decades-old legal controversy and permanently enshrine enforceable open internet principles in statute.?Such action will allow everyone to move beyond endless partisan debate and allow industry to focus on building the world-class networks that will create jobs and advance American prosperity.