Unsticking the FCC

[Commentary] To put it plainly, the Federal Communications Commission is stuck.

Although it recently adopted some promising orders related to broadband (e.g., new rules for accessing new portions of wireless spectrum called "white spaces" and for enhancing access in schools and libraries), the Commission has failed to move forward with implementing core provisions of its monumental National Broadband Plan. The business of governing is messy. Congress is influenced by a diverse array of factors that often grind the legislative process to a halt. Part of the reason for having independent expert agencies like the FCC is to insulate specialized policymaking from the political pressures that often bog down those on the Hill. Indeed, even though Congress sets the parameters within which agencies can operate, expert entities like the FCC have wide latitude to push forward with new policies. Yet, despite a clear Congressional mandate to enhance broadband connectivity, the FCC has put this duty on the back burner, in favor of pursuing the Chairman's white whale ­ net neutrality. As a result, the misguided actions of the FCC have imperiled the digital destinies ­ and civil rights ­ of millions of Americans.

If we are to sustain our position as the world's most innovative and digitally inclusive country, we must urge those in power ­ the President, Congress, Chairman Genachowski and others ­ to put political posturing aside and move forward with implementing the National Broadband Plan and shepherding the Waxman Open Internet bill to the President's desk for signature. Doing so will grant immediate benefits to individual Americans and to the overall economy.