Free Press is standing in the way of innovation and economic recovery

Timothy Karr’s piece, “The corporate deal to control the Internet,” [Opinion, Aug. 2] is nothing short of a scare tactic fraught with misstatements at best, or simple incompetence at worst.

The pending Net neutrality compromise between the major players and the FCC would help keep much of the current regulatory and architectural systems that made the Internet what it is today. The compromise Karr disparages includes provisions barring degradation to content or applications — this is part of what Free Press wanted all along.

Why is Free Press objecting to a voluntary compromise? My guess is they won’t be happy unless the government takes a more active regulatory role in controlling the Internet. The Free Press approach would result in the diminishment of the transformative force of the Internet. Americans need jobs, and better broadband service, both wired and wireless, is key.

Consumers benefit from innovation — so let’s allow for it. We will all be better off if entrepreneurs and businesses devote their time and resources toward improving products and services consumers want.

It’s a shame Free Press and other anti-business organizations are actively standing in the way of economic recovery.

— Carl Gipson, director, Small Business, Technology and Telecommunications, Washington Policy Center, Seattle