“Net Neutrality” Exhumed from the Regulatory Graveyard: It’s Still the Same Investment and Innovation Killer, Says Group Representing Entrepreneurs

By SBE Council at 26 September, 2023, 4:41 pm

NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C.  – Following an announcement by Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel that she plans to “begin the process of re-establishing” agency oversight “over broadband and restoring uniform, nationwide net neutrality rules,” Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) president & CEO Karen Kerrigan issued the following statement:

“Intrusive utility-era regulation of broadband was a bad idea when it was buried several years ago, and it’s an especially horrible idea in the modern digital economy. Sadly, Chairwoman Rosenworcel has disinterred a costly regulatory concept, which makes absolutely no sense and will only bring uncertainty and diminished investment when our businesses, investors and our economy need policy stability and robust investment in order to stay globally competitive.”

“Under former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, internet freedom and innovation were restored. As a result, broadband investment, reliability and innovation produced extraordinary benefits and value for our economy and small business entrepreneurs. A light regulatory approach provided America with amazing connectivity, the bandwidth, and innovative tools that enabled small businesses, consumers and workers to survive and even thrive during the COVID-19 economy.”

“Now, Chairwoman Rosenworcel wants to take us back to an era of internet uncertainty, litigiousness, government control, and less investment, which would lead to stagnant innovation. This is not a sound strategy for getting our economy back to long-term stability, for out-competing and out-innovating China, or for bringing next generation digital tools and connectivity to small businesses and consumers in every corner of our nation. SBE Council looks forward to working with our business allies, and small business supporters in the Congress to bury this bad idea again…and this time for good.”

CONTACT:

KAREN KERRIGAN, kkerrigan@sbecouncil.org

RAYMOND KEATING: rkeating@sbecouncil.org

SBE Council is a nonpartisan advocacy, research and education organization dedicated to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship. For nearly 30 years, SBE Council has worked on and advanced a range of private sector and public policy initiatives to strengthen the ecosystem for strong startup activity and small business growth.

Visit www.sbecouncil.org for additional information. Twitter: @SBECouncil

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