INCOMPAS to FCC: Court’s Remand of Net Neutrality Provisions Critical to Competition, Public Safety and Streaming Revolution

INCOMPAS — the internet and competitive networks association — led the court challenge opposing the Federal Communications Commission decision to end network neutrality provisions that help first responders, main street businesses and the streaming revolution. The INCOMPAS comments argue net neutrality impacts:

• Broadband Competition: By reclassifying broadband internet access service, competitive broadband providers that only offer broadband service will not have the Section 224 benefits of access to poles and conduit if they are not offering a telecom or cable service as required by that Section.  This could put them at a disadvantage in deploying new networks when there already is limited broadband competition for residential service.  
• Public Safety: The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that access to over-the-top (OTT) internet information and services is critical to informing and engaging Americans.  From police, health and firefighters who rely on apps, to consumers who use social media in times of crisis, INCOMPAS warns that without net neutrality rules, big telecom providers are under no obligation to prevent blocking or slowing down OTT services, even during times of critical safety and health emergencies when consumers are relying on many types of services to stay connected.
• Lifeline: As our nation recovers, Americans need jobs, and the Lifeline program which connects low-income consumers to broadband is a jobs program. It helps millions of low-income and out-of-work Americans access phone, email and job sites. You simply cannot get a job without the internet’s resources. INCOMPAS warns that ending net neutrality puts the Lifeline program on uncertain grounds, and it laments that the FCC is not willing to use its Section 706 authority to ensure that all Americans are connected to broadband.