Net neutrality pitting Web giants against state AGs, mayors

Attorney Generals from Washington, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina have expressed concerns about possible Network Neutrality rules. South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster wrote to the Federal Communications Commission saying he's "very concerned about any new net neutrality regulations that could adversely impact the communications industry's willingness to continue to invest and, thereby, hinder the future growth of the wireless or wireline Internet industry." Similar concerns have been raised by a veritable army of governors, state representatives, mayors, and local Chambers of Commerce presidents who have suddenly discovered an interest in this issue. "While much progress has been made, the FCC's new focus on wireless network neutrality causes me great concern, because of the negative consequences for investment, innovation and jobs in Connecticut," wrote Tom Buzi, First Selectman of Monroe, Connecticut late last week. "More regulation means less investment—and fewer jobs." Some of this feedback is doubtless being encouraged by the telcos, and we'll have more on that later. But interestingly, the organization that has the most direct stake in Internet job creation is sending mixed signals to the FCC on the matter. On October 15 Larry Cohen, President of the Communications Workers of America sent the FCC a letter warning that any new rules must avoid "an adverse impact on investment and job creation." But the filing also acknowledged that some carefully crafted enforcement and transparency regulations might be a good idea. CWA supported the FCC's sanctions against Comcast for BitTorrent throttling in 2008.