[opendtv] NCTA: Wheeler Broadband Agenda Should Not Include Title II | Multichannel
- From: Craig Birkmaier <craig@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: OpenDTV Mail List <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 08:36:57 -0400
http://www.multichannel.com/news/policy/ncta-wheeler-broadband-agenda-should-not-include-title-ii/383542
NCTA: Wheeler Broadband Agenda Should Not Include Title II
The National Cable & Telecommunications Association says that FCC Chairman Tom
Wheeler's broadband agenda speech Thursday in Washington is an argument for not
imposing Title II regulations.
"Chairman Wheeler's remarks about broadband competition underscore the
importance of maintaining a light regulatory touch that encourages more
investment from more companies," NCTA said in a statement.
In that speech, Wheeler praised that investment, but also suggested that
preempting state laws limiting municipal broadband would also spur more
competition.
But NCTA was focused on network neutrality.
"The surest way to stifle further competition and investment in the broadband
marketplace is to impose public utility Title II regulation on Internet
access," NCTA said.
"Under the light-touch regulatory regime that has been in place for almost two
decades, the cable industry has invested over $210 billion since 1996 to build
robust, next generation broadband networks that are available to 93 percent of
American consumers. Cable networks capable of 100 Mbps or higher are available
to 85 percent of U.S. homes."
Wheeler used slightly different figures in his speech. He said that while he
conceded a majority of Americans had access to 100 Mbps, "it is not acceptable
that more than 40% do not," and added that "just because most Americans have
access to next-generation broadband doesn't mean they have competitive choices."
Wheeler's speech was about spurring competition and NCTA's response was: Bring
it on. "The cable industry is committed to meeting consumer demand for a world
class Internet experience and competing in the marketplace with all wired and
wireless Internet providers."
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