The advent of a privately run internet took the fledgling computer network from an obscure way for academics to share data electronically to the communications, entertainment, commerce and information giant it is today. A largely unregulated internet brought about investment and exponential growth and competition in cyberspace. Now, that innovation and expansion could come to a standstill.
Government regulation of industries invariably leads to monopolies and stagnation, discouraging innovation and competition. The old companies are generally protected, while cumbersome government regulations geared toward the way the industry operated at the moment in time the regulations are adopted make new ventures difficult to get started.
A proposal to classify the internet as a public telecommunications utility would allow the Federal Communications Commission to regulate the internet. Proponents of the plan bill it as “Net Neutrality,” ostensibly to ensure that all data is treated equally by internet service providers, but in reality this is an attempt by the federal government to seize more control over the delivery of online content. Most people are perfectly happy with the way their ISPs deliver data. Market forces ensure that ISPs provide quality service, and access to the data consumers want. The FCC reclassification plan is a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.
On Thursday, August 19th at 6:00 PM, there will be a public hearing on “The Future of the Internet” at South High School in Minneapolis. Net Neutrality and FCC plans to regulate internet communications are the main topics.
Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and FCC commissioners are among the featured speakers. Senator Al Franken has championed the “Net Neutrality” cause and may also be in attendance.
Take Action: Let your voice be heard on preserving a free market internet.
Location: South High School, 3131 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN (Auditorium)
Date/Time: Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, 6 p.m.
Featured Speakers: FCC Commissioners Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn and Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie
Related reading: Wall Street Journal: The Railroad Precedent and the Web