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NCTA, USTelecom Blast Pro-Title II Net Neutrality Bill

NCTA and USTelecom are criticizing the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act (HR-8573/S-4676) over its proposal to reclassify broadband as a Communications Act Title II service (see 2207280063). "Twenty years into an increasingly stale debate over net neutrality, the justifications…

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for it seem increasingly limp," said NCTA CEO Michael Powell. "The case is particularly thin to justify the famed ‘nuclear option’ to reclassify carriers under Title II utility regulation which empowers the FCC with the authority to go big on new regulation.” The “once-in-a-lifetime” $65 billion in broadband funding included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act means “we need to be focused collectively on closing the digital divide and not taking a ride on the net neutrality carousel for the umpteenth time for no discernable reason,” Powell said: “Slapping an outdated and burdensome regulatory regime on broadband networks surely will damage the mission to deploy next-generation internet technology throughout America and get everyone connected.” ISPs “support net neutrality and already operate under these important principles while delivering real value and performance to customers,” said USTelecom CEO Jonathan Spalter. “There is bipartisan support for net neutrality, but legislative proposals that would put any of this progress at risk are not the right answer. Let’s keep our focus on moving consumers’ internet experiences forward, not backward.”