Less Heat, More Light: Finding the Right Path Forward for Net Neutrality

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
10 am -- 11:30 am
https://itif.org/events/2017/07/11/less-heat-more-light-finding-right-pa...

Net neutrality has become the most contentious issue in modern telecommunications policy. On the core proposition that the freewheeling openness of the Internet must be preserved, there is heated agreement. But on the much thornier question of what is the most appropriate legal mechanism to ensure that openness, and exactly how to define the extent of that openness, there is only heat.

The Communications Act is outdated, and even with the FCC’s creative improvisations, we are left with kludges: Title II, section 706, and FTC oversight are all imperfect.

A legislative compromise would allow the FCC to put this debate to rest, and it would prevent the issue becoming a political football tossed every time the White House changes hands. Legislation—either narrowly prescribed net neutrality rules or a broader update of the Communications Act—should be the goal, but what is the FCC’s best path forward in the short term while legislation winds its course? Which band-aid is our best option?

Join ITIF for a panel of experts to discuss opportunities, challenges, what is new, and how best to move forward in this perennial debate.

Panelists to be announced.

This event will be live-streamed and a recording will be available following the event. Follow @ITIFdc during the event, and join the conversation using #ITIFbroadband.