Washington (May 15, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, released the following statement today after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted items related to the upcoming incentive auction and net neutrality.

“Without a truly open Internet, America will be closed to innovation. Today’s action at the FCC could begin the dismantling of the open Internet as we know it unless the Commission reclassifies broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II.  Internet access today is like traditional phone service decades ago – we can’t live or work without it. In order to preserve a truly open and free Internet, we must stop broadband behemoths from setting up fast and slow lanes and picking winners and losers. Start-ups and small business would suffer, slowing our economy and job growth throughout Massachusetts and around the country. I will continue to fight to ensure that the world’s greatest platform for innovation, job-creation and economic growth remains a level playing field for all.  

 

“I commend the FCC for advancing an incentive auction proposal that correctly balances the need to promote wireless competition while generating sufficient revenue to fund critical priorities such as FirstNet. I will continue to work with the Commission to ensure consumers benefit from increased competition in the mobile marketplace.” 

Yesterday, Senators Markey, Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Angus S. King (I-Maine), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Al Franken (D-Minn.) sent a letter to the FCC calling on the Commission to ensure a competitive bidding process in the incentive auction of broadcast television spectrum.

More information about Senator Markey’s leadership on net neutrality can be found HERE.