Title II Court Decision Means Industry Must Re-Double Policy Efforts

Arlington, Va. (June 14, 2016) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, said today that a federal court ruling on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality plans leaves in place inflexible regulations that will harm consumers and the U.S. economy.

TIA CEO Scott Belcher issued the following statement:

“The court’s decision means today’s dynamic, ever-changing Internet will face the strict, inflexible rules designed to regulate our grandparents’ phone service. We continue to believe the FCC has overstepped its authority and we are deeply disappointed by the decision.

“This decision means we must redouble our efforts to find a policy solution. TIA is committed to working with members of Congress to advance legislation that protects consumers without harming investment and job creation. If the FCC’s current approach is allowed to remain in place, it will be much more difficult for Internet service providers to offer innovative new services enabled by the Internet of Things and 5G or to continue heavily investing in the network and enabling greater connectivity. And significant private sector investment is clearly needed in order to meet growing consumer demands for video and data.

“The light touch bipartisan regulatory framework of the last decade has worked, allowing the industry to deliver more access, higher speeds and more connectivity. There is no question that an open Internet is essential – but it is best delivered through balanced and broadly supported rules. A free market approach, with clearly defined consumer protections, can ensure an open Internet.”