“Net Neutrality” Threatens Internet Innovation

Recently, The Commonwealth Foundation joined the Internet Freedom Coalition, a coalition of organizations standing against “network neutrality” initiatives.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a new plan that would, for the first time, give the government control over the Internet. The plan addresses the issue of “network neutrality”, or whether internet service providers can prioritize the delivery of web content based on rates.

While many on the side of net neutrality claim this plan would keep the internet free from discrimination, this legislation would have devastating effects on an industry that has fostered enormous growth.

By imposing “network neutrality”, internet service providers would have little incentive to upgrade their infrastructure due to price restrictions. Furthermore, the FCC has not provided any documented cases of abuse or market failure to warrant such action. In fact, it isn’t even clear if the FCC has the legal authority to impose such regulations. By keeping the Internet open to entrepreneurship and innovation, America can continue to see the economic growth that only the market can provide.

Click here for a primer on net neutrality.