TPA Opposes Plans from FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to Move Forward on Net Neutrality

The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA), a national taxpayer watchdog group representing concerned citizens all across the country, is deeply opposed to plans announced today from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler on new rule making regarding net neutrality and reclassification of the Internet under Title II. Chairman Wheeler’s proposals are completely antithetical to the innovative nature that has been a hallmark of the Internet for nearly two decades.

TPA is opposed to the new net neutrality rules for several reasons. First, there is no rationale for moving forward with an aggressive regulatory approach to keep the Internet open. During the last twenty years, the country has seen an unprecedented amount of innovation and investment from the private sector as it relates to the Internet. New rules don’t make sense and are simply unnecessary to keeping it open.

Second, reclassification of the Internet could lead to new taxes. At a time when consumers are already seeing the burden of high taxes on telecommunications, new rules could lead to increased taxes that would be harmful to taxpayers, consumers, and small businesses.

Third, TPA is fearful that new rules to classify the Internet as a utility would do harm to states who are currently dealing with issues related to government broadband. Chairman Wheeler has already pledged his support for more government broadband and even though states are passing laws to fight against forcible expansion due to the lack of positive impact on access or cost savings, this proposal may leave the states without any choice.

Finally, A reclassification of the Internet under Title II as a utility would most certainly have a negative impact on spectrum incentive auctions this year and going forward. The new rules from the FCC would devalue the spectrum and that would harm taxpayers, and make it more difficult to sell off.

TPA continues to oppose reclassification of the Internet under Title II. The government should maintain the current path of a light regulatory approach and keep the Internet open, innovative, and thriving.