Feature originally published in the Tallahassee Democrat
When the internet launched in the ‘90s, it ushered in an era of revolutionary innovation.
In D.C., policymakers from both parties had the vision to see that America would need a responsible yet competitive regulatory framework which would encourage innovation, private-sector investment and accelerate the deployment of network infrastructure.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) demonstrated leadership by establishing regulations for the internet known as Title I that would empower free market competition to flourish while driving technological advancement in an emerging industry.
As result of that framework, the United States has a broadband network which is the envy of the world. Here in Florida, more than three million households now have a high-speed connection to the internet.
In less than 25 years, private-sector internet companies and their innovations have improved millions of people’s online experiences, moving from a snail’s pace dial-up connection, to high-speed, unlimited, 24/7 access, available everywhere, from their homes to their smart phones. Now, streaming rich video content, distance learning and telemedicine is one click or tap away.
Only recently under the Obama Administration did the FCC’s regulatory approach change. Citing concerns over protecting net neutrality, the FCC unilaterally applied antiquated, utility-style regulations to broadband internet companies known as Title II.
Unlike utility-style Title II regulations, which promote only one choice for every consumer, such as your local water or power company, Title I regulations created an environment where customers can choose the providers and products which best suit their needs.
Further, the utility-style regulations have slowed the deployment of sophisticated high-speed networks which Florida’s families and businesses increasingly depend upon every day.
There are no winners as a result of these bureaucratic changes. Meanwhile, Floridians will continue to lose out as the current regulations slowly choke away the dynamic online environment behind the world’s most valuable companies and greatest entrepreneurial success stories of our time.
The policies best-suited to protect net neutrality versus policies that regulate public utilities are two very different things.
Florida’s broadband companies continue to support net neutrality and agree that rules prohibiting anyone from blocking, throttling, or unfairly discriminating against internet traffic should be in place. This core principle of an open internet experience for everyone is not controversial to the industry; it is the standard.
However, the regulatory policies best-equipped to legally safeguard the spirit and principles of net neutrality should not look anything like antiquated utility-style policies.
That’s why we urge Congress to pass long-term legislation to secure open internet protections while at the same time, securing the FCC’s traditional Title I regulatory approach, which has empowered innovations and expanded access to networks faster than anywhere else on Earth.
This way, the state of Florida and its economy will continue to lead the way in competitiveness and marketplace innovation, so that all of our citizens can leverage the power of the internet for their future.
Most importantly, individuals, families and businesses throughout Florida can continue to connect to each other and to the world without threatening investment, innovation, jobs and access for all Floridians.
