Internet Industry Association Rejects Legislative Approach to Network Neutrality

In a white paper released last week, the US Internet Industry Association (USIIA) urged Congress to take no action on the issue of "network neutrality," concluding legislative action could substantially undermine investment in networks, stifle innovation on the Internet and harm consumers and business alike.

"Network neutrality continues to be nothing more than a solution in search of a problem," said David P. McClure, USIIA president and CEO. "In spite of intense media hype and speculation by advocates, there is no evidence that a problem does or will exist. Unfortunately, recent media reports suggest that network neutrality will be bundled along with pending telecom legislation -- we urge Congress to keep the legislation focused on bringing video competition to America's consumers while avoiding the slippery slope of increased regulation of the Internet."

"Legislating 'network neutrality,' no matter how well-intended, takes America back to the communications technologies of 1983," continued McClure. "It literally destroys advances made in broadband and broadband technologies, and could serve to permanently cripple America's ability to compete in the global economy as well as the ability of consumers to maintain their current choices in telecommunications services."

The white paper, "Network Neutrality: Phantom Problem, Unintended Consequences," concludes that legislating against any of the forms of network management currently in use harms consumers and businesses alike. Moreover, legislating against future technologies will stifle innovation and cripple America's ability to deal with spam, viruses and predatory applications over the Internet.