FreedomWorks

As the Senate holds hearings on net neutrality, it is important to avoid calls for new regulations or mandates that would impede broadband deployment in the United States. Net neutrality is a vaguely defined term that generally refers to access to the Internet, and the need to keep access open to all consumers. While this is an important question for consumers, new mandates on Internet access could reduce incentives to build new high-speed broadband networks or invest capital in innovative new technologies.

Former House Majority Leader and current FreedomWorks Chairman Dick Armey explained, "It is important to realize that the fears raised by those calling for new net neutrality mandates have not materialized. Consumers have access to an Internet that takes them wherever they want to go. That's what consumers want, so that's what providers will offer. The greater issue is to avoid any undue regulatory burdens that impede the ability to build and expand the networks required to give consumers what they desire."

There are already a number of competition laws on the books that could address concerns raised by those worried with net neutrality and consumer access. Moreover, innovations in "last mile" technologies are providing consumers even greater choices. Consumers will benefit from new forms of access, such as broadband over power lines and WiMax wireless networks that give consumers more choices and reduce concerns over net neutrality problems.

Dr. Wayne Brough, Chief Economist at FreedomWorks commented that, "Currently, the United States ranks 16th in the world when it comes to broadband deployment. Introducing new mandates or regulations on networks will only hamper deployment of new networks. We need to look to the future and unleash the innovation and technologies of the next century. To bring these technologies to consumers, we need to avoid unnecessary new mandates."

FreedomWorks is a national grassroots organization with more than 700,000 across the country promoting lower taxes, less government, and more freedom.