On Oct. 22, the Federal Communications Commission voted to take a big step toward regulating the Internet. The same day, Senator John McCain introduced legislation designed to stop the FCC’s heavy-handed move, and he made the following statements to the Washington Times:
“The Federal Communications Commission will vote on whether to regulate the historically open architecture and free flow of the Internet. The commission will seek to impose “net neutrality” rules …. This government takeover of the Internet will stifle innovation, which will in turn hinder job creation.”
Senator McCain is right; the FCC is wrong. The Internet has been lightly regulated and today anyone is free to access any lawful content. That’s true net neutrality.
Now “net neutrality” has to be put in quotes because the term has been hijacked by those who favor strong federal regulation. Their push for heavy regulation is based on scare tactics and sound bites, NOT fact.
The FCC should focus on Internet buildout, so that it’s available to every home. Regulation will hinder investment and growth. Senator McCain is correct, and he deserves public support on this issue.
