Today, Qualcomm, Intel, Cisco, Corning and a wide swath of companies in the technology and manufacturing industries sent letters to key Congressional and FCC leaders expressing deep concern over possible broadband reclassification and Title II regulation.
The companies speaking out are all key contributors and benefactors of the $1.2 trillion invested into infrastructure, technology, and overall Internet growth over the last few decades. They’re part of a broader ecosystem that needs marketplace certainty in order to continue the significant investments that have built world-class broadband networks that cover most of the U.S.
The companies concern over Title II, which would establish a regulatory environment that could hamper innovation and growth, are very real. The letter from the technology industry said, Reversing course now by shifting to Title II means that instead of billions of broadband investment driving other sectors of the economy forward, any reduction in this spending will stifle growth across the entire economy. This is not idle speculation or fear mongering…Title II is going to lead to a slowdown, if not a hold, in broadband build out, because if you don’t know that you can recover on your investment, you won’t make it. These companies have played key roles in turning the Internet into the world’s greatest technological achievement. Their perspective on the role regulation plays in technology investment is invaluable. Their confirmation that Title II is a profound mistake speaks volumes. The letter from manufacturing industries shares the concerns of the technology sector. In their statement, they say, Manufacturers vigorously support an open Internet…While the regulatory environment in place has encouraged…investment and innovation, current proposals to regulate the Internet with early 20th Century–era laws severely threaten continued growth. Our country cannot afford to derail this innovation with a burdensome regulatory scheme that will cut off incentives to invest in the networks our companies use.
As we consider the future of the Internet and the rules that govern its growth, it’s critical we keep in mind the perspectives of the companies that helped build it. U.S. manufacturing and technology industries build fiber-optic lines, design core network devices, and are first-adopters of cutting-edge technologies that drive the future of businesses and broadband. They will continue to play critical roles in developing the future of Internet. Their expressed concerns over Title II should not be ignored.