Marco Rubio’s Internet policy, explained

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On Dec 11, Sen Marco Rubio (R-FL) attached his name to a letter that attacked federal regulators over their attempts to help towns and cities set up their own, publicly run Internet providers. Sen Rubio's renewed opposition to city-run Internet service draws greater attention to his stance on Internet policy, just as the GOP presidential candidates gear up for another televised debate. While much of Dec 15's forum in Las Vegas (NV) will likely focus on national security, Sen Rubio is one of the few White House contenders to have laid out a concrete position on technology issues. Should he become the GOP nominee, his views on the Internet -- and how it should be maintained -- will become increasingly relevant.

Sen Rubio's stance against a public option for Internet dovetails with his broader approach to Internet policy, which can be summed up in two points: Limit Washington's power over communications providers, and transfer federally owned airwaves to private wireless carriers so that they can upgrade their mobile Internet networks. He opposes the Federal Communications Commission's decision to regulate Internet providers with telephone-style rules, under net neutrality. And he wants government agencies to give up more spectrum -- the stuff that carries your cellphone calls and data -- to companies without restrictions or conditions.


Marco Rubio’s Internet policy, explained