OIC Calls on FCC to Remove Market Uncertainty by Moving Forward on Open Internet Rules

For Immediate Release
Contact: Eric London

Today, the Open Internet Coalition filed comments in response to the FCC's request under its Open Internet Proceeding.  In its comments, the OIC states the continued absence of final rules protecting openness on the Internet fosters investment uncertainty across the Internet ecosystem.   As a result, the OIC urges the Commission to move to completion on this matter, declaring that "further delay on bringing this matter to closure will have a deleterious impact on continued investment in both the infrastructure and content companies that make the Internet work for all Americans."

The filing states that while progress towards consensus has been made over the last year in the debate over rules to protect the Open Internet, there remain gaps on key issues, particularly the scope of rules that should apply to wireless broadband Internet access service and to any future prioritized, specialized services.  The OIC urges the Commissionto use "its expert technical and legal resources to make decisions that will bridge those gaps," based on the information it has collected in the various relevant public dockets.

In response to several questions raised by the FCC‘s inquiry, the OIC asserts that the Commission should reject any artificial distinctions between wireline andwireline platforms.  In addition, the OIC argues that while network operators have not made a compelling case for the creation of a category of specialized services, if the Commission were to create such a category it should be subject to a non-discrimination rule.

The full comments can be read here: https://openinternetcoalition.com/files/OIC_Comments_101210.pdf.

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 .