CWA Files Comments with the FCC on Preserving an Open Internet

This week, The Communications Workers of America filed formal comments with the FCC in response to the latest request for information on preserving an open Internet. CWA believes that a strong consensus has emerged in support of a middle-ground approach to protect an open Internet that ensures free expression, while at the same time preserves adequate incentives to promote job-creating investment and innovation in broadband networks, applications, and content.

The bulk of the net neutrality debate so far has focused on the minute differences between a few players, rather than the commonalities shared by most of the interests involved. By focusing on the areas with broad consensus, CWA has proposed a framework that can move the debate past the differences, and allow the FCC to concentrate on implementing the National Broadband Plan. By extending high-speed Internet to every home, business and community in America and also making digital literacy a priority, we can create good-paying career jobs now and not only prepare the next generation to participate in the 21st century digital economy, but prepare our infrastructure for the challenges of adapting to a digital economy as well.

The core of CWA's recommendation is to adopt the FCC's open Internet principles which have been in practice since 2005, and add an additional non-discrimination principle. In effect, this would mean that wireline Internet providers could not block in transmitting lawful content, applications, or services and customers could connect with any device of their choosing, provided it is safe for the network. In addition Internet providers could not engage in unjust and unreasonable discrimination, effectively prohibiting exclusive deals, but would still allow for the guaranteed quality of service needed for things like telemedicine, distance learning or even online gaming. Broadband providers would be transparent regarding price, performance and network management practices. Providers would still be able to reasonably manage their networks through appropriate mechanisms. By keeping these guidelines general, the FCC has the flexibility it needs to enforce them on a case-by case basis, and over time would build up a body of precedents that can evolve along with the marketplace and the technology involved.

In these comments, CWA supports extending some open Internet provisions to wireless broadband. Specifically, that it would be appropriate to prohibit wireless broadband Internet access providers from blocking consumer access to lawful Internet websites, of course subject to reasonable network management. Further, it would be appropriate to prohibit blocking access to lawful applications that compete with a provider's voice or video telephony services (again: subject to reasonable network management). Because of the limitations of available spectrum, careful network management is a unique challenge when talking about wireless broadband.

CWA will continue to promote policies that will protect Internet users, while at the same time foster innovation, create jobs and continue investment in America's information infrastructure.

Read the entire text of CWA's comments.

Comments of Communications Workers of America In Response to Further Inquiry into Two Under-Developed Issues (FCC)