Net Neutrality

Apparently, the FTC has frowned on ensuring Net Neutrality by way of new regulations. The quotes are great and speak for themselves:

"'In the absence of significant market failure or demonstrated consumer harm, policy makers should be particularly hesitant to enact new regulation in this area,' FTC Chair Deborah Platt Majoras wrote.

"Majoras asserted that broadband Internet access was 'moving toward more – not less – competition.' (Complete statement - pdf file)

"'The primary reason for caution is simply that we do not know what the net effects of potential conduct by broadband providers will be on all consumers, including, among other things, the prices that consumers may pay for Internet access, the quality of Internet access and other services that will be offered, and the choices of content and applications that may be available to consumers in the marketplace,' Majoras said.

...

"'Broad regulatory mandates that employ a "one size fits all" philosophy, without regard to specific facts, always have unintended consequences, some of which may be harmful and some of which may not be known until far into the future,' she said at the time.

...

"'Policy makers should be wary of enacting regulation solely to prevent prospective harm to consumer welfare, particularly given the indeterminate effects on such welfare of potential conduct by broadband providers and the law enforcement structures that already exist,' the agency said in its conclusion."

The article also reports on some opposing viewpoints as well as the issue of the US being behind several countries in terms of broadband penetration - read the entire article for more information.