Isakson Condemns FCC over Decision to Move Forward with Implementation of ‘Net Neutrality’

Dec 22, 2010

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today condemned Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski’s decision to move forward with the implementation of “net neutrality” or “Open Internet” rules.

“I am extremely disappointed with the Chairman’s decision, and I believe these unnecessary regulations will stifle innovation and be harmful to consumers,” Isakson said. “As we move into the next Congress, I will work with my colleagues to block these regulations, which are an unjustified and unnecessary expansion of government control over private enterprise.”

The FCC today approved a proposal to move forward with “net neutrality” rules. “Net neutrality” is the philosophy that internet service providers, or ISP’s, should not be allowed to prioritize content and services, particularly video, that come across their infrastructure. Isakson believes there is a need to strike a balance between preventing interference with internet traffic while allowing the ISP’s to continue to invest in the nation’s internet and telecom infrastructure. Ultimately, Isakson believes it is important to provide equal access for these consumers and a balanced playing field for all involved.

On Dec. 15, Isakson joined 28 of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Genachowski expressing his continued opposition to any “net neutrality” rules.