ACA Connects Tells Federal Trade Commission That Broadband Markets Are Working To Enhance Consumer Welfare

In May 31 comments filed with the Federal Trade Commission, ACA Connects (formerly the American Cable Association, an organization that lobbies on behalf of small and mid-size cable operators) explained that, overall, broadband markets in the US are working to the benefit of consumers – some 300 million of whom today have access to robust (100 Mbps) broadband service, most often from multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs). ACA Connects’ view is supported by the fact that investment in broadband networks is enormous (many tens of billions annually), innovative services are continuously being deployed, prices are declining (on a per megabit basis), and competition is increasing.

Though, ACA Connects President and CEO Matthew Polka explained, “Even though broadband markets are working, the FTC and other government agencies may need to intervene to address market challenges faced by smaller ISPs and consumers in rural areas. However, in doing so, the FTC and other government agencies should, above all, do no harm and should refrain from imposing onerous regulations on smaller ISPs. Government agencies also should target their efforts toward increasing supply, including by removing public and private barriers that inhibit investment. Finally, in areas where it is uneconomical for ISPs to offer service, the government should award support using an efficient auction process open to all experienced providers.”