Late yesterday, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association submitted its comments to the Federal Communications Commission in regard to proposed rulemaking on preserving the open Internet.
In the proceeding, the FCC is looking at creating a set of rules and regulations that would preserve the openness of the Internet. While the Internet’s growth has led to innovations and more investment in the infrastructure itself, the NCTA advocated in its 67-page comments document that the FCC continue to adhere to its “vigilant restraint” policy that recognizes that absent of any market failure, “prophylactic” regulation would do more harm than good.
The FCC also cited Congress’ 1996 Telecommunications Act as another reason why the Internet should remain open.
“The Commission should adhere to its successful policy of ‘vigilant restraint’ and refrain from regulating the provision of Internet access services,” the NCTA wrote in its conclusion. “That policy has enabled the very flourishing of Internet innovation, investment and openness that the Commission seeks to stimulate and preserve. Reversing course and imposing an unnecessary and burdensome regulatory regime would only impede and undermine these policy goals and harm consumers.”
