'Network neutrality' regulations are unnecessary and burdensome

[Commentary] US wireless consumers and service providers stand together in wanting to preserve the open Internet; the question is whether invasive government regulation should be imposed on competitive mobile Internet services.

These regulations are unnecessary and would be affirmatively harmful. Simply put, wireless service is different. At any given time on a wireless network, some users are making voice calls or sending e-mails, some are surfing the Internet or perhaps streaming video and others are making lifesaving 911 calls. And they're doing all of that on the move with finite spectrum — not a network made up of fiber with almost unlimited capacity. Network management tools make the mobile Internet a better experience, ensuring that 911 calls get through, voice calls are clear, streaming video plays smoothly and Web pages load quickly. Net neutrality sounds innocent enough, but it's actually a serious threat to this innovative and increasingly indispensable mode of communication. It ignores the qualities that make wireless Internet service different and the tools used every day to bring Americans the mobile Internet. Right now, the U.S. market is driving worldwide wireless innovation, but that can change in a heartbeat. Let's not derail this engine of economic growth, innovation and U.S. leadership.

[Largent president and CEO of CTIA, the trade association of the wireless communications industry]