MMTC: Statement on Rep. Waxman's Proposed Open Internet Legislation

David Honig, President and Executive Director of Minority Media and Telecommunications Council released a statement on Representative Henry Waxman's proposed net neutrality legislation:

MMTC was disappointed to learn that efforts in Congress to create a legislative solution on broadband regulation could not be completed before the House recess. However, the Waxman formulation, which generated bipartisan support as well as support from net neutrality supporters and skeptics alike, shows that a legislative solution is possible.

MMTC and many other national civil rights and minority organizations have consistently opposed restrictions on network management, owing to the potential impact on minority-owned businesses, jobs, access, and closing the digital divide in broadband adoption. We have also opposed broadband reclassification due to its potential for regressive cost allocation and for precluding ISPs' mentoring and incubation of new entrants such as multicultural digital entrepreneurs.

Our message remains the same today: the FCC should defer to Congress and not take the dangerous and counterproductive step of adopting the common carrier "third way" proposal. To preserve an environment where investment and job creation will be maintained, we urge members of Congress to continue their efforts to craft targeted legislation that will protect an open Internet and, at the same time, promote broadband deployment and universal broadband adoption.

The Communications Workers of America supports the Waxman/Boucher approach to protect an open Internet.

CWA: Waxman/Boucher Approach Right Way to Move Broadband Build Out Forward (Speed Matters)