February 16, 2012
Calls language in the payroll-tax bill a win for consumers and positive for economic growth, innovation, and broadband deployment
WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 16, 2012 – The Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA), a broad-based coalition supporting broadband access and adoption for all Americans, today issued the following statement commending Congress for coming to a compromise on the Payroll Tax Reduction Extension legislation, which includes language that will support telecom industry growth and benefit users of wireless technology across the board:
“Congress deserves applause for including language in the payroll-tax bill that prevents the Federal Communications Commission from picking winners and losers by precluding otherwise qualified bidders from taking part in incentive spectrum auctions. Discriminating against potential bidding companies is unfair and anti-competitive and would stifle economic growth, job creation, and broadband deployment.
“Ensuring an open auction process is a smart move by lawmakers and one that will not only support efficient spectrum use, but is a win for consumers. Denying spectrum to companies that have pressing needs for it to accommodate their anticipated growth as customers consume more data and demand new innovations and capabilities ultimately hurts wireless users. Ensuring that more spectrum is available for all players is critical to keeping wireless broadband affordable, innovative and working for all consumers.”