Statement on FCC Decision to Restore Internet Freedom

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) welcomes the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to move forward in the process of Restoring Internet Freedom.

The FCC’s actions today build upon Chairman Pai’s unveiling of a plan to place consumers back in charge of the internet experience. The prior FCC unilaterally, and some argue contrary to the stated desire of Congress, classified the modern internet as a Title II telecommunications system, subjecting it to the same rules and regulations as a 1930s telephone monopoly.

By putting government bureaucrats in charge of micromanaging the internet, the prior FCC interfered with innovation, investment and an internet responsive to the needs of consumers. The actions will help forward the goal of encouraging broadband deployment, increasing investment in infrastructure and providing further impetus for innovation.

“Today’s vote at the FCC will start the process of returning control of the internet to the hardworking consumer” according to the ALEC CEO, Lisa Nelson. “The FCC’s plans, under Chairman Pai, will ensure consumers have access to the lawful content they want, that they are able to use the apps they want and purchase the service plans they want, without fear of the federal government preempting their choices.”

“The FCC has taken the first steps toward returning the internet to light touch regulations,” states South Carolina Rep. Garry Smith, the public sector chair of the ALEC Task Force on Communications and Technology. “As the FCC relinquishes the ability to micromanage the internet, consumers will be able to direct the internet experience, companies will invest more in infrastructure, and states can work with the FCC to ensure all Americans, and South Carolina residents, can have access to broadband.”

The American Legislative Exchange Council is the nation’s largest voluntary membership association for state legislators. It counts over 25 percent of all state legislators as members, as it works to advance the Jeffersonian principles of limited government, free markets and federalism. The Communications and Technology Task Force helps policymakers understand the numerous complexities facing the 21st century, technology-heavy economy.

For more information, please contact Jonathon Hauenschild at jhauenschild@alec.org.