Internet Innovation Alliance Urges Congress to Act on Title II

Waxman bill demonstrates that a legislative solution is possible and a common-ground consensus exists

IIA supports policies that foster investment, job creation and affordable broadband access

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In response to calls for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski to hastily act on Title II reclassification, the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA) – a broad-based coalition supporting broadband availability and access for all Americans – today released the following statement pointing to the near-success of House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman’s (D-Calif.) bill, which demonstrates that a compromise reached by Congress is achievable:

From IIA Co-Chairman David Sutphen:

“Having found common ground amongst consumer groups, major telecommunications and cable providers, trade associations and advocacy organizations, the Waxman bill shows that a compromise to create jobs, preserve investment and protect consumers is a realistic goal. The FCC should not wipe the slate clean and abandon the progress that has been made.”

“Forging ahead with Title II reclassification is an unnecessary answer to a complex debate that has been unfolding for months. By killing the investment needed to realize universal broadband, this approach would undermine the main reason the National Broadband Plan was developed: to connect Americans who need it most, like communities of color, rural Americans and other unserved and underserved populations.”

From IIA Co-Chairman Bruce Mehlman:

“We can collectively move past the gridlock of the net neutrality debate in order to focus on goals that mean something to every American such as job creation and affordable access to broadband. Let’s not force a fix that would be harmful to so many.

“With our nation’s need for broadband infrastructure build-out and economic recovery, encouraging investment is the best thing that lawmakers can do to safeguard jobs and ensure universal access. We don’t need policies that are the “next best thing;” we need to take the time to get it right.”

About The Internet Innovation Alliance

The Internet Innovation Alliance is a broad-based coalition of business and non-profit organizations that aims to ensure every American, regardless of race, income or geography, has access to the critical tool that is broadband Internet. The IIA seeks to promote public policies that support equal opportunity for universal broadband availability and adoption so that everyone, everywhere can seize the benefits of the Internet – from education to health care, employment, community building, civic engagement and beyond.

CONTACT:

Internet Innovation Alliance
Lauren DuBois, 917-573-2485
lauren@internetinnovation.org

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  District of Columbia

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Internet  Networks  Telecommunications  Public Policy/Government  Congressional News/Views  Public Policy  White House/Federal Government

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