WASHINGTON—The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) has expressed concerns over the FCC's draft Order that would regulate broadband under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. Joe Kane, ITIF’s director of broadband and spectrum policy, criticized the potential impact of the Order on broadband availability and quality.
Kane stated, "The FCC’s draft Order would saddle the competitive broadband marketplace with regulations that will reduce the long-term availability and quality of broadband." He also highlighted that the Internet had thrived both before and after the repeal of Title II regulations in 2015 and 2018, respectively.
According to Kane, the FCC's justification for reintroducing these regulations is seen as a partisan exercise that goes against the public interest. He raised concerns about the potential micromanagement that the Order could impose on the broadband ecosystem, leading to a decline in innovation and consumer harm.
Kane further pointed out that the draft Order could hinder the development of technologies like network slicing and discourage investment in broadband infrastructure. He warned that if the Order is adopted, consumers may experience a slowdown in technological advancements and deployment due to reduced incentives for innovation.
In conclusion, Kane emphasized, "An FCC that believed broadband is a necessity and wants to put consumers first would reject this Order."
