Comcast, Verizon Wireless, Internet Companies Agree – FCC Reclassification Won’t Impact Network Investment

For Immediate Release
Contact: Eric London
May 13, 2010

Recent attacks on Chairman Genachowski’s on middle-ground effort to accelerate broadband build out and promote consumer choice as anti-investment are simply untrue, said Markham Erickson, Executive Director of the Open Internet Coalition, a group of Internet companies and consumer groups.

“These charges are baseless, and are disproven by the facts and the broadband providers own words and actions.”

According to SNL Financial, a business intelligence news source, Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian Roberts downplayed the impact of reclassification on investment.

"I honestly don't believe the government is trying to turn the clock back," Roberts explained, adding that "the government is not a big worry." Given the potential impact of reclassification on broadband pricing, Roberts said he expects the industry to continue to invest, innovate and work through the government issues. (May 13)

Additionally, the Wall Street Journal reported that Verizon is continuing to invest in its wireless LTE network. It quotes Verizon Wireless Chief Executive Lowell McAdam as saying that the company has no plans to slow investment in its wireless broadband network as a result of the FCC’s move. (May 12)

Erickson added: “The companies involved in our coalition created the commercial Internet, and understand the importance of a free market and light touch oversight in this area. They believe this new framework will enable additional investment in Internet content and applications, and support the FCC’s action. Making sure rural Americans have an option for broadband, giving those with disabilities the ability access broadband, and allowing broadband users can make the choices about what content and services they want to use will grow the entire broadband economy and raise all boats, including those of network providers.”

About the Open Internet Coalition: The Open Internet Coalition (openinternetcoalition.com) represents consumers, grassroots organizations, and businesses working in pursuit of a shared goal: keeping the Internet fast, open and accessible to all Americans. Follow us on Twitter or find us on Facebook at .