Washington – President Obama released a statement today that strongly supports the reclassification of broadband access as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. The statement comes at a key time as the FCC grapples with trying to preserve the Open Internet under stronger legal authority while facing intense political pressure from powerful Internet Access Providers to weaken the protections.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association has filed comments with the FCC asking for Open Internet rules under Title II, laying out the detailed legal reasoning why this is the best legal strategy if the much needed Open Internet rules are to be effective.
The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“A groundswell of millions of comments supporting the Open Internet is evidence of the importance of having effective rules preventing paid prioritization and discriminatory treatment. Neither the FCC nor Internet Access Providers should any longer ignore the political urgency behind the support for Title II from the public, from the most innovative and competitive sectors of industry, and now clearly from the President.
“The challenge now is for the FCC to act promptly and to make sure opponents of the Open Internet don’t use complexity and confusion as tools to weaken this effort to issue new rules protecting the Internet.
“The Internet has grown immensely in importance and we are at a fork in the road. We’re glad President Obama is willing to take the lead on an issue that may be looked back upon as one of the most enduring parts of his legacy. It is historically important that the Internet enhances freedom for all rather than profit for a few. The FCC has the obligation to ensure that the basic the rules of the road will protect the openness that has made the Internet so useful.
“President Obama stated when campaigning back in 2008 that it’s better to ensure the Internet benefits all users and businesses – rather than a few dominant network providers. It is heartening that he is striving to keep his commitment to maintaining this critical communications, social and economic platform.”