In response to the FCC chairman’s comments and news reports that the agency is prepared to pursue comprehensive Internet regulation, a rising crescendo of voices has been heard expressing deep reservations.
Of particular concern is that these additional regulations would increase prices for:
- The average Internet user even while holding down prices for the heaviest users.
- Law-abiding Internet users while underwriting the cost of those who systematically steal content from others or engage in other bandwidth-hogging applications.
- Internet service providers while subsidizing businesses that are built on the back of that access—almost as if those who use the most electricity wouldn’t have to pay extra to operate their factories while every homeowner paid more to subsidize that company.
The Summit will feature a lively policy briefing designed to explore the latest and future issues in communications policy, as well as the emerging challenges and opportunities facing industry players and policy makers in the current economy.
One central question that must be asked this year, given the FCC’s rulemaking procedure, is whether “stupid” networks result in smarter computing? In a world of stupid networks what applications may be at risk—what will consumers lose?
Also important to understand is whether government mandated “dumb pipes” is truly the best way to drive broadband adoption and appeal to those in areas where broadband is not currently available. Can consumers really gain when the system itself is mandated by government to be designed to not be helpful?
Critically important is whether legal content can be adequately protected in a world with government-limited network management. Is the risk that while Korea begins to head down the path to protect legal content online that the U.S. heads in the opposite direction?
That question raises the broader issue of exactly what is going on around the world in communications policy? A global trend seems to be developing towards greater introduction of market forces in communications, even as the U.S. seems to be considering a huge government takeover of the Internet.
How does one find the answers?
Come to the Summit next Thursday 9AM-1PM at the Reserve Officers Association Headquarters Minuteman Memorial Building - Minuteman Ballroom, 5th Floor, One Constitution Ave NE, Washington DC.
Don’t forget to register! RSVP: Erin Humiston, (972) 874.5139 or erin@ipi.org
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Today's TechByte was written by Bartlett D. Cleland, director of IPI Center for Technology Freedom.