Congressman Neal Dunn: Reinstating ‘net neutrality’ would harm consumers
It’s no secret that most Americans expect and enjoy reliable, high-speed internet access, whether in their homes or on the go. And they are getting it – but not because of government regulations or “net neutrality.”
Over the last five years, U.S. broadband networks have been thriving with record-high investment from the private sector, more competition, lower prices for consumers, and strong performance despite increased use. Importantly, during that time, great strides have also been made in closing the digital divide to ensure everyone across the United States, regardless of where they live, has access to reliable, high-speed internet. This is all thanks to a light-touch regulatory framework that was put in place under the Trump Administration.
However, the U.S. Senate recently confirmed an appointee of President Biden to the Federal Communications Commission, who does not support the existing framework. The first order of business of the Democrat commissioners, who now hold the majority, is to reinstate heavy-handed Obama-era net neutrality regulations. These are sure to stifle the investment, innovation and progress that has benefited Americans greatly.
This action by the now Democrat-led FCC is a solution in search of a problem. None of the concerns that were expressed when net neutrality regulations were repealed – from the death of the internet to fast lanes – ever came to bear. Instead, the opposite occurred, and America’s broadband networks are performing better than ever. This is thanks to the current light-touch regulatory approach, which has fostered increased competition in the broadband market.
The COVID-19 lockdowns highlighted the benefits of the current approach. During that time, when work, school and staying connected with loved ones moved online, traffic over our broadband networks spiked, reaching over 27% above prior levels. Networks handled this increased traffic without issue or interruption. So, whether Americans needed to connect for business, classes, or simple enjoyment, they could do so with the same speed they were used to.
By contrast, in Europe, where there are heavy-handed regulations like those the FCC is now moving forward with, networks could not withstand the increased traffic and regulators had to ask popular sites to throttle their service. Heavy-handed, utility-style regulation is harmful to today’s broadband market. And it’s certainly not what is best for Americans.
There is no reason to change what is working well. Doing so by reinstating so-called “net neutrality,” will only create uncertainty in the market, cut private investment, reduce competition, and ultimately harm consumers.
Congressman Neal Dunn is a Republican representing Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes Tallahassee.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Congressman Dunn: Reinstating ‘net neutrality’ would harm consumers
