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Open Internet Is the Right Goal but Title II Is the Wrong Approach

ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, regarding today’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vote to reclassify broadband Internet access as a Title II-regulated service:

“Today’s vote by the FCC reclassifying broadband as a Title II public utility service takes us in the wrong direction on the information superhighway. CEA supports a light regulatory regime that strikes the appropriate balance among fostering innovation, promoting competition and maintaining broad access to and across the Internet. With this vote, the Commission has instead placed regulatory shackles and new legal risks on the Internet and those who use this technological marvel to create critical new services, products and jobs. The end result for consumers: less choice, higher costs and reduced innovation.

“Rushing to regulate the Internet threatens to slow down broadband investment, and reduces competition among providers, which helps keep broadband costs low. Recent legislative proposals from Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) would protect the free and open Internet, while also encouraging the investment and competition necessary to keep the Internet growing and thriving. We hope the FCC and Congress will now work together to take a U-turn and reach a balanced and bipartisan compromise that includes deploying additional spectrum and ensuring Americans have open and robust Internet access.”

On Friday at 9:30 AM, Shapiro will join Internet analyst and author Larry Downes and former FCC commissioner Robert McDowell on an Open Internet press call to discuss the impacts broadband reclassification will have on innovation. To RSVP for the event, please contact [email protected].

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $223 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative and regulatory advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: http://www.ce.org/social.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • CEA Winter Break
    March 5-8, 2015, Snowmass Village, CO
  • Technology & Standards Spring Forum
    March 24-26, 2015, Nashville, TN
  • Digital Patriots Dinner
    April 14, 2015, Washington DC
  • CES on the Hill
    April 15, 2015, Washington DC
  • 2015 International CES Asia
    May 25-27, 2015, Shanghai, China
  • CEO Summit
    May 25-27, 2015, Shanghai, China
  • CES Unveiled New York
    November 10, 2015, New York, NY

Contacts

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Tyler Suiters, 703-907-7654
[email protected]
www.CE.org
or
Izzy Santa, 703-907-4308
[email protected]

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