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Network Management

As the leading broadband provider in the U.S., the cable industry has long embraced an open Internet that allows consumers to use and enjoy lawful content and services of their choosing, and operators have invested hundreds of billions in private capital investment to make this vision a reality for millions of American consumers.   Cable supports voluntary efforts that improve disclosure about broadband Internet service and will continue to provide consumers with adequate information about their broadband service and how providers take steps to improve the overall Internet experience.  

Policymakers will continue to explore ways to bring more choice, competition and transparency to the broadband Internet environment and cable welcomes an open, data-driven and fact based process.  But absent any evidence of real consumer harm, cable believes that the current policies, laws and market incentives provide an environment which encourages more investment, innovation and competition, and policymakers should be very cautious to impose complicated new rules that could threaten the very dynamism of the Internet.

Examining the Issue

The Cable Industry's Position on this Issue


1/10/2009
Cable's Broadband Service: A Consumer Success Because of Reasonable Network ManagementEmail this Document
Abstract: For the benefit of their subscribers, broadband providers should be encouraged to utilize reasonable network management tools. Government regulation of broadband networks is particularly inappropriate, given the need for network operators to develop network management tools that respond to new network abuses that harm the vast majority of broadban...Attachment: Network Management Talking Points-January 2009.pdf (28 KB)Publication Type: Talking Points

Testimony Before Congress


5/6/2008
McSlarrow Testimony on “H.R. 5353, the Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008”Abstract: NCTA President & CEO Kyle McSlarrow testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing on “H.R. 5353, the Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008.”Publication Type: Testimony

4/22/2008
McSlarrow Testimony on "The Future of the Internet"Email this Document
Abstract: Testimony of Kyle McSlarrow, President & CEO, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, on The Future before the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet Committee on Energy and Commerce, U.S. Senate Attachment: McSlarrow_Net_Neutrality_Testimony_04.22.08.pdf (82 KB)Publication Type: Testimony

Setting the Record Straight


3/20/2008
Media Briefing on Network ManagementAbstract: NCTA hosted a media briefing to address the topic of broadband network management.Publication Type: Miscellaneous Publication

Other Voices


12/17/2008
Network Effects: An Introduction to Broadband Technology & RegulationEmail this Document
Abstract: This White Paper from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce provides an introduction to broadband technology and regulation, and offers a set of recommendations to promote broadband deployment and adoption across the United States. Attachment: US_Chamber_Broadband_Paper_12.17.08.pdf (226 KB)Publication Type: White Paper

3/3/2008
Sam Brownback Letter on Net NeutralityEmail this Document
Abstract: A letter from U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) on the subject of "network neutrality."Attachment: Brownback_Letter_on_Net_Neutrality_03.03.08.pdf (361 KB)Publication Type: Other Voices

2/28/2008
NBC Universal's Comments In the Matter of Broadband Industry Practices; WC Docket No. 07-52Email this Document
Abstract: NBC Universal's comments re: Broadband Industry Practices, which detail the amount of illegal file sharing that is facilitated by P2P applications.Attachment: NBC_Universal_Network_Management_filing_02.28.08.pdf (235 KB)Publication Type: Other Voices

2/13/2008
Competitive Enterprise Institute Submits Comments on "Net Neutrality"Abstract: CEI filed public comments with the Federal Communications Commission, urging the commissioners not to regulate the speed and pricing of traffic across broadband networks. CEI’s comments emphasized the problems with locking in a regulatory structure that would slow investment, innovation and growth in such a rapidly evolving industry.Publication Type: Other Voices

2/13/2008
Media Release: "FCC Must Allow Private Companies to Manage Their Own Networks"Abstract: The Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – in response to a "Notice of Inquiry" regarding broadband industry practices – which argues that private network companies must have the freedom to experiment with their own business models.Publication Type: Other Voices

2/13/2008
Free State Foundation Submits Comments in Network Management ProceedingAbstract: The Free State Foundation outlined details of comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission, which argue for the preservation of a minimal regulatory broadband environment.Publication Type: Other Voices

2/13/2008
Media Release: "FCC Should Deny Network Management Petitions"Abstract: In a media release, The Progress & Freedom Foundation outlined details of comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission in regards to recent petitions urging the prohibition of certain network management tools.Publication Type: Other Voices

6/14/2007
Media Institute Comments In the Matter of Broadband Industry Practices; WC Docket No. 07-52Email this Document
Abstract: The Media Institute's comments re: Broadband Industry Practices, arguing that the FCC continue to encourage openness and innovation in broadband services without resorting to regulation, since enforced net neutrality is a solution that would harm, rather than help consumers.Attachment: Media_Institute_Net_Neutrality_Comments_06.14.07.pdf (28 KB)Publication Type: Other Voices

6/13/2007
"Net Neutrality Mandates: Neutering the First Amendment in the Digital Age"Abstract: In a law review article just published in I/S: A Journal of Law and Policy for the Information Society, Free State Foundation President Randolph J. May concludes that, "in today’s competitive digital broadband marketplace, net neutrality mandates that dictate ISPs’ choices concerning the dissemination of content...Publication Type: Other Voices

5/19/2007
"Google should pay its fair share"Abstract: In an op-ed, Dr. Art Thomas, senior manager of leadership at the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, addressed one of the key issues underlying the debate over network neutrality. Who should pay the cost of upgrading Internet access?Publication Type: Other Voices

4/17/2007
Net Neutrality Scare TickerAbstract: The Internet Freedom Coalition launched the Net Neutrality Scare Ticker – a novelty website that ticks off the days, hours, minutes, and seconds that have passed since Google and other parties first issued warnings the Internet w...Publication Type: Other Voices

3/6/2007
USHCC Announces Opposition to "Net Neutrality" During Legislative ConferenceAbstract: The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce issued a press release announcing its opposition to net neutrality.Publication Type: Other Voices

2/24/2007
"Illogical net neutrality idea"Abstract: Randolph J. May, President of The Free State Foundation, addresses a Net Neutrality bill recently introduced in the Maryland legislature. He offers a number of reasons why such legislation will prove problematic and perhaps unlawful.Publication Type: Other Voices

2/6/2007
"The Inegalitarian Web"Abstract: Peter Huber, a senior fellow of the Manhattan Institute, writes in Forbes that a "net neutrality" bill won't solve any issue, but will slow new capital investment in faster digital pipes and create complicated and confusing legislation. He says that net neutrality proponents focus on "last mile" and "end user" neutrality, but claims that ...Publication Type: Other Voices

2/5/2007
CCAGW Letter Opposing Net NeutralityEmail this Document
Abstract: Copy of a letter sent to U.S. Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) by The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW).Attachment: CAGW_Net_Neutrality_02.05.07.pdf (97 KB)Publication Type: Other Voices

1/31/2007
"Information Super Traffic Jam"Abstract: Phil Kerpen, policy director for Americans for Prosperity, wrote in an editorial commentary for Forbes that substantial new infrastructure investments and deployment are neccesary in the face of increased global traffic, but that such efforts might be hampered by net neturality mandates.Publication Type: Other Voices

1/19/2007
"Hold Off On Net Neutrality"Abstract: An editorial in the Washington Post by David Farber and Michael Katz questions congressional initiatives aimed at addressing the issue of "network neutrality." They point out that, while such efforts are intended to promote continuing Internet innovation by "restricting the ability of network owners to give certain traffic priority based ...Publication Type: Other Voices

Regulatory Filings


2/13/2008
NCTA Comments 02/13/08Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: Broadband Industry Practices reiterating that regulation that precludes experimentation with various mechanisms would only provide a roadblock to finding the best answers; WC Docket No. 07-52Attachment: 021308 07-52 Comments.pdf (51 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing

7/16/2007
NCTA Reply Comments 07/16/07Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Reply Comments re: Broadband Industry Practices, reiterating that regulation will discourage investment and interfere with the ability of broadband providers to meet the needs of consumers; WC Docket No. 07-52Attachment: 071607 07-52 replies.pdf (78 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing

6/15/2007
NCTA Comments - NN 06/15/07 Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: Broadband Industry Practices, arguing that the regulation of the provision of broadband services and the management of broadband networks would reduce competitive investment and constrain growth in networks and the services that depend on them; WC Docket No. 07-52Attachment: 061507 07-52 Comments.pdf (245 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
If you have questions, please contact: Rob Stoddard / Brian Dietz / Joy Sims, NCTA Communications & Public Affairs at 202-222-2350.