Stop Treating Broadband Like a Utility

[Commentary] The question then before policymakers is actually this: Must we harness our broadband infrastructure to the yoke of 20th century Title II regulations designed for public utilities in order to maintain an open Internet? The only reasonable answer to that question is no.

Regulating broadband under utility-style Title II regulations crafted decades ago puts these consumer benefits and the robust investment that make them possible at risk. This in turn undermines the goal we all share—making more of broadband’s opportunities available to all Americans. Essential to making broadband work for everyone is ensuring everyone’s broadband is strong, open and growing swiftly for us all.

[Diane Smith is the interim chair of Mobile Future]