WISPA opposes reclassifying of broadband

The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA), a membership organization that promotes the development, advancement and unity of the fixed wireless Internet service provider industry, believes that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should not reclassify consumer broadband service as a utility under Title II of the Communications Act. WISPA supports a free and open Internet without subjecting small businesses to an outdated regulatory model.

Common carrier regulation of the Internet would place undue harm on small Internet Service Provider (ISP) businesses that, without the benefit of federal subsidies, would not have been able to economically and rapidly extend broadband service to areas that currently have it today. Title II would increase compliance costs, increase regulatory risks and deter investments for small ISPs, contrary to Congress’ intent when it adopted Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act in 1996.

“The FCC got it right in 2010 with its light-touch regulatory approach. To impose Title II burdens and additional obligations on small ISPs would undermine the innovation, entrepreneurship and economic benefits that this environment has helped promote,” said Chuck Hogg, President of WISPA. “Picking and choosing those Title II regulations that will be subject to forbearance would add to the uncertain regulatory environment over the course of many years. This would stifle investment that would inhibit our members’ ability to connect rural Americans.”

WISPA (Wireless Internet Service Provider Association) is a membership-driven trade association that promotes the development, advancement and unity of the fixed Wireless Internet Service Provider industry. WISPA has over 800 members that support WISPA’s advocacy, education and other collaborative industry initiatives. For more information, visit http://www.wispa.org.