WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, TechFreedom unveiled a general roadmap by which governments at all levels can promote deployment of broadband Internet service — and increased competition among private providers. In a letter to Chairman Fred Upton of the House Energy & Commerce Committee and Chairman Greg Walden of the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, TechFreedom commended the Subcommittee for focusing, in today’s hearing, on what Americans really want to hear about the Internet: how do we get better, faster, and cheaper broadband?

The letter opens:

We commend you and the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology for calling this hearing. For far too long, Congress and the FCC have been distracted by the divisive issue of how to regulate the Internet in the name of “net neutrality,” losing sight of what most Americans think of when they hear that term: better, faster, cheaper broadband — and more competition. All Americans will benefit from policies that make broadband deployment, and new entry into the broadband market, easier.

“Government-run Internet should always be a last resort, but that doesn’t mean government can’t take proactive steps to promote broadband deployment,” said TechFreedom President Berin Szoka. “From mere coordination and cutting of red tape, to deployment of smarter infrastructure, governments at all levels can help increase the supply of broadband — rather than bickering over how to manage and regulate scarcity. This approach promotes Internet Independence by ensuring that consumers are neither dependent on monopoly providers nor dependent on government. Congress should continue to investigate these issues, starting with a GAO study and more hearings on this vital topic.”

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We can be reached for comment at media@techfreedom.org. See our other work on Section 706 and promoting broadband deployment, including:

  • “The FCC’s Section 706 Power Grab is Dangerous, and Ignores Marketplace Realities,” a summary of our comments on the FCC’s annual report on broadband deployment
  • “Don’t Blame Big Cable. It’s Local Governments That Choke Broadband Competition,” Berin Szoka and Jon Henke in Wired.com
  • A Third Way on Muni Broadband, TechFreedom & ICLE statement, summarizing comments opposing petitions asking the FCC to preempt state laws governing muni broadband

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