Internet providers urge FCC not to reclassify broadband as a utility

Internet providers have sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission urging the agency not to reclassify broadband as a utility, following reports that Chairman Tom Wheeler had revised his proposal for net neutrality.

The letter maintains that although reclassifying broadband as a utility would give the FCC more regulatory power over Internet providers, it would also stifle innovation and lead to less money invested into broadband networks, ultimately hurting consumers' Internet experience.

A total of 28 Internet providers from across the US backed the letter, dated May 13, with signatures from their chief executives. Among the companies were AT&T, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Verizon. "Such an action would greatly distort the future development of, and investment in, tomorrow’s broadband networks and services," the companies said.

The Internet providers said they want to work toward rules that would secure an open Internet but that reclassification is not the way.