Steve Largent: No reason to reverse existing regulatory model

The op-ed on April 28 [“Reclassify broadband to keep the Internet a democratic medium,” Opinion] completely ignored the facts of today’s wireless industry.

Quite simply, there are no reasons why the Federal Communications Commission should consider reversing the light regulatory model started by the Clinton administration and continued by President Obama. The classification of broadband as an “information service” and not in the same category as the plain monopolistic telephone industry was a good and sensible policy.

I have repeatedly asked: What is the problem that we need to address with potentially dangerous regulation? This light touch has been —and continues to be —a tremendous success. It has resulted in the United States leading the world in wireless technology. Americans are using their devices more and paying less than almost anyone else.

• We have more third-generation (3G) subscribers than any other nation.
• All of the state-of-the-art handsets are launched first in the United States.
• Consumers could choose from almost 250,000 apps, up from fewer than a 100 a few years ago.

The U.S. wireless industry has invested more money last year in its networks than Germany, France the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain combined.

As Former President Bill Clinton’s FCC Chairman William Kennard said in a 2006 op-ed, “Policymakers should rise above the Net-neutrality debate and focus on what America truly requires from the Internet: getting affordable broadband access to those who need it.” CTIA and the wireless industry could not agree more.

— Steve Largent, president and CEO, CTIA-The Wireless Association, Washington, D.C.