Net neutrality hearing examines a false choice on antitrust

[Commentary] Opponents of network neutrality, still stinging from their recent defeat at the Federal Communications Commission, have taken their fight to Congress in a two-week marathon of hearings that concluded in the House Judiciary Committee. The March 25 hearing, provocatively titled "Wrecking the Internet to Save It?", examined whether antitrust law can address net neutrality better than the FCC's recently approved rules.

This argument, a favorite of House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), presents a false choice. In truth, Americans need both antitrust enforcement and the regulatory process to protect the Open Internet. Policymakers should reject this false choice and embrace the benefits of both approaches. Antitrust has greatly benefited consumers and the economy, but it is not a panacea. The best way to preserve net neutrality combines strong regulatory safeguards with rigorous antitrust enforcement in the broadband market. The FCC embraced this approach in February. Congress should not stand in its way.

[Joshua Stager is policy counsel for the New America's Open Technology Institute]