[opendtv] FCC’s Pai: Net Neutrality Debate Is a Distraction | Broadcasting & Cable
- From: Craig Birkmaier <craig@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: OpenDTV Mail List <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 07:14:22 -0400
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/washington/fcc-s-pai-net-neutrality-debate-distraction/132680
FCC’s Pai: Net Neutrality Debate Is a Distraction
The network neutrality debate is a distraction from what the FCC should be
focusing on, which is "modernizing its regulatory framework to account for the
IP Transition."
That was the message from FCC commissioner Ajit Pai to an Internet Innovation
Alliance forum in Washington.
He said that instead of using scarce resources to refight old common carrier
battles, the FCC should "prioritize policies that will encourage the private
sector to expand and upgrade high-speed broadband networks. And that means that
we need to concentrate on expediting the Internet Protocol (IP) Transition."
He framed that distracting net neutrality debate in the following terms.
First, he said, Title II harkens back to railroad regulation of the 1800s,
bogging the FCC down in a debate of the past with the difference being that the
FCC should have learned from that example how common carriers can "take us off
track."
Second, he said, it is using up countless staff hours in meetings and phone
calls devoted to net neutrality. "That’s effort that isn’t being devoted toward
modernizing many of our rules to expedite the IP Transition."
Third, he said, the Title II discussion is being driven by a "parade of
horribles" that are hypothetical. "The evidence in the Internet marketplace
does not justify dramatic regulatory change solely for the purpose of assuaging
fears that have not materialized," he argues.
"The irony is we already know that the public-utility model, so beloved by
Title II proponents, would deter innovation and drain private investment in
broadband," he said. "The U.S. broadband market is a success story worth
celebrating. And that success was enabled by light-touch regulation. Where
there are concrete 'misfortunes,' we can take targeted action. But otherwise,
we should recognize net neutrality and the Title II debate for what it is—a
great distraction. And we should seize the moment to embrace the IP Transition
and our all-IP future."
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