How do we strike the right balance between broadband access and net neutrality?

Posted by: Doug Strahan

The National Broadband Plan is a great example of how America must invest in our future to lift us out of our present economic crisis.  At the Northern Virginia Technology Public Policy Series Event on Monday, May 3rd, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski could hardly restrain his enthusiasm for promoting investment in our broadband infrastructure as a means towards restoring our global leadership in technology and innovation.  While there are many details to be worked out in the coming months and years, according to Chairman Genachowski, The National Broadband Plan will:

• Promote economic investment and expansion
• Provide affordable broadband access to the underserved
• Enable industry sectors like heathcare, education, energy and the environment

Chairman Genachowski brings a unique set of experiences to his role that includes both business and government.  He talked about how government regulation of the private sector is particularly challenging when you are trying to find the middle ground between no regulation and over regulation.

We can certainly all agree with the ultimate goal of being #1 in the world in technology and innovation.  I was shocked when Chairman Genachowski referenced a research study which ranked America as #6 in the world in innovative capability.  Even more alarming was our ranking for the rate of change in building our innovative capability, America was in last place - 40th out of 40.  No one can dispute the importance of investing in our future, investing in the “great infrastructure” challenge of the early 21st century.

As the CEO of Aptela, I am very interested the National Broadband Plan as it provides the means for Aptela to deliver services to our business customers across America.  A quality broadband internet connection is the only way business VoIP providers can successfully serve their customers.

I was also very interested to hear more about the Chairman’s position on net neutrality.  With the recent Court of Appeals decision challenging the FCC’s authority to enforce net neutrality, there is a lot of interest and concern among technology companies that rely on our national broadband infrastructure to deliver services to our customers. To my surprise, the Chairman did not breathe one word about net neutrality and didn’t flinch during the Q&A when one of the attendees asked a multi part question…which included a reference to the importance of net neutrality.

Upon returning to my office later in the day I came across an article from The Washington Post “FCC Chairman Genachowski expected to leave broadband services deregulated”.The article referenced sources which indicate “Genachowski thinks reclassifying broadband to allow for more regulation would be overly burdensome on carriers and would deter investment.”  In other words, the carriers will not support or provide as much support for The National Broadband Plan if they are more regulated!

As Chairman Genachowski pointed out earlier in the day, finding the right regulatory balance is not easy.  Who can argue about the importance of investing in our broadband infrastructure.  To achieve this objective the government needs the carriers support.  On the other hand when government funding mechanisms are used to promote investment, and consumers pay for broadband internet access, why is the FCC even considering a path that weakens its position on net neutrality?  Just like unlicensed wireless spectrum led to the introduction of garage door openers and eventually Wi-Fi, unrestricted access to broadband infrastructure will encourage innovation by entrepreneurial companies like Aptela in ways no one can predict.  Broadband access AND net neutrality will help America get back to being #1, but one without the other won’t improve our technical and innovative capacity.  Chairman Genachowski, good luck in striking the right balance.