NetCompetition Statement on New FCC Net Neutrality Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           

January 16, 2015

Contact:  Scott Cleland 703-217-2407

The FCC Should Defer to an Engaged Congress to Best Resolve its Real Internet Authority Gaps

There is No Legitimate Policy/Process Reason Why FCC Can’t Wait a Reasonable Period of Time to Seek a Permanent Bipartisan Congressional Solution Rather than the FCC’s 0-2 Legal Record

WASHINGTON D.C. – The following may be attributed to Scott Cleland, Chairman of NetCompetition:

“What irreparable harm would occur if the FCC deferred to Congress, the source of all its existing and future legal authority, for a reasonable period of time in order to try and resolve this issue most legitimately, in a duly elected Congress, and in a bipartisan manner, because the President must act upon any legislation that passes?

This new and real congressional focus on resolving the net neutrality issue in Congress through compromise in the legislative process will test whether the FCC really wants real legal authority to preserve an Open Internet? Or does the FCC prefer to roll the dice a third time and risk strike three on its 0-2 legal count?

The bottom-line here is why isn’t it best for consumers, edge providers, the FCC and an Open Internet to give a bipartisan solution in Congress a chance?”     

NETCompetition.org is a pro-competition e-forum representing broadband interests.  See www.netcompetition.org.  

Scott Cleland served as Deputy U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy in the George H. W. Bush Administration.