Debate rages about whether government-based Internet regulations would benefit consumers

On September 21st, Julius Genachowski, the newly appointed chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, gave a speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. that outlined his reasoning for pursuing new “net neutrality” regulations. Since Genachowski’s speech, a heated debate has taken place throughout the country regarding whether or not possible new regulations are necessary and would ultimately benefit consumers.

On one side, net neutrality proponents argue that government regulation of the Internet is needed to keep networks open and unrestricted. On the other hand, opponents of net neutrality regulations argue that government intervention is unnecessary and will significantly diminish future innovation and private network investment.

How this issue is ultimately decided will most certainly have a profound impact on how the Internet continues to evolve over time. Over the next several months, MCA will offer its take on possible net neutrality regulations, but initially we want to provide our supporters with the arguments on both sides of the issue. Below are several takes on net neutrality that serve as a primer for what should be a contentious debate for some time to come.

Text of Chairman Genachowski’s speech at Brookings

Press release from the Institute for Policy Innovation opposing net neutrality regulations

FCC ‘Net Neutrality’ Rules Are a Win for Consumers

Neutering the ‘Net

Wireless Experts Predict FCC’s ‘Net Neutrality’ Rule’s Impact on Mobile Operators

Is the FCC neutralizing innovation?

Network neutrality? How about FCC neutrality?

The Day Internet Freedom Died

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