Who knows best on net neutrality?
posted 10/21/09
As the network neutrality debate heats up, countless groups and individuals recognizing the magnitude of the current state of events are speaking out on behalf of engaged and concerned citizens, voicing their thoughts and ideas about how the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should proceed in creating new network neutrality rules and regulations. Most recently, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) together with a number of Blue Dog Democrats sent a letter to the FCC outlining the hopes and concerns of their constituents regarding the upcoming proceedings. In this letter, the CBC urges the FCC to, “carefully consider the full range of potential consequences that government action may have on network investment.”
That sounds reasonable enough, right?
Not to everyone, apparently. It seems that there is an assemblage of “net roots” who claim to know better than the members of the CBC what is best for their disadvantaged, underserved, and un-served constituents. These “net roots” are pushing for new network neutrality rules with absolutely no regard for data of the costs, and without consideration of the unintended consequences that can result from government regulation.
It is the troublesome assertion and approach of the net roots that directly affect the constituencies that we are proud to serve jointly with the members of the CBC, that moved ADE to write an open letter in support of their efforts, and anyone else who supports a thoughtful approach to new net neutrality regulations.
From the letter:
“Can these “net roots” leaders point to where they have had life-impacting leadership on the pressing issues facing the constituents of the CBC? The net roots’ opinion of how broadband networks should operate does not stack up against the historic leadership of the CBC or with President Obama’s goal of universal broadband access.”
“Most arguments for network neutrality fail to account for the very real economic restraints facing the disadvantaged, underserved, and un-served communities that we and the CBC represent. Our constituencies are more at risk of being blocked from participating in the digital future due to rising price pressures and lack of investment in broadband infrastructure precipitated by ill-conceived, empirically un-supported, and hastily formulated regulations than a slowly loading web page.”
ADE fully supports the members of the CBC as they faithfully protect the interests of their constituents and pursue the national priority of broadband for all.
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