Talkback

Network Neutrality Hurts the Little Guy

(RE: “Clyburn Says Net Neutrality Is in Minorities’ Interest,” Jan. 26): ”Interestingly, many minority groups disagree very strongly with Commissioner Clyburn’s statement … and they have some good points to make. The proposed regulations would increase the cost of broadband service, lower the quality of that service, deter broadband deployment and cripple small, competitive providers — thus harming broadband competition and, hence, consumers.

“The commissioners should not be marching in partisan lockstep but considering what the results of such rules actually would be! They should also note that the D.C .Circuit will likely rule that they do not have the authority to micromanage the Internet via heavily prescriptive rules. There are only two of the rules which are worth considering enacting and are within the FCC’s statutory powers: one prohibiting anticompetitive conduct and one advocating transparency. Both should be applied not only to ISPs, but also to Internet gatekeepers such as Google. (The First Amendment prohibits government of content but allows government to oversee business practices, so the FCC does have the authority to do this in cooperation with the FTC.)”

Brett Glass

Can’t Raise the Price of Free

(RE: “Cablevision Asks Supreme Court to Review Constitutionality of Must-Carry,” Jan. 29): “Robust competition? Two or maybe three choices at best (cable, FiOS or satellite) is not robust by any definition of the word. And entry into the rebroadcasting business is so expensive, it’s not likely there will be more anytime soon.

“The other noncompetitive environment which the Supreme Court, or the FCC, should be examining is the TV networks themselves and the deals they make with the rebroadcasters. Real competition can only come with a la carte pricing. …

“The over-the-air picture is now crystal clear, and high-definition over-the-air is even better looking than through a cable (and free!). Both the TV networks and the broadcasters know this trend is growing. … The TV networks simply cannot stand to get only the ad revenue anymore.”

B. Christopher