December 21, 2010
Apparent Status Quo Resolution of net neutrality debate allows renewed focus on ensuring every American is connected to the benefits of broadband
WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 21, 2010 – In response to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voting to pass Chairman Genachowski’s proposed Open Internet Order, the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA) – a broad-based coalition supporting broadband availability and access for all Americans – today released the following statement on the decision:
“Governing requires compromise and the Chairman deserves credit for seeking a way forward that appears like it will preserve both private sector investment and Open Internet principles,” said IIA Co-Chairman David Sutphen. “Finally bringing the net neutrality chapter to a close would be a welcome relief from a debate that for too long has distracted the Commission from focusing on the National Broadband Plan and achieving the critical goal of 100 percent access and adoption. We welcome the opportunity to work with the FCC and other stakeholders in future efforts to promote broadband, which has become a critical life tool.”
“Most investors and innovators saw no need for new regulations and feared even more burdensome regulatory alternatives that previously were under serious consideration,” said IIA Co-Chairman Bruce Mehlman. “While the devil is always in the details, the Commission deserves credit for listening to a broad spectrum of stakeholders over the past year, and for rejecting even more extreme political solutions.”