(Washington, D.C.) – Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) today sent a letter to Acting FCC Acting Chairman Michael Copps, Commissioner Jonathon Adelstein, and Commissioner Robert McDowell in response to the request for comments regarding a universal broadband strategy.  The letter reads, in part: 

“In developing a responsible plan to stimulate national broadband access the Commission must first create a clear set of goals for the program.  Paramount to this task is establishing a definition of broadband that is both understandable yet focuses on function over form.  Any definition of broadband that too specifically defines the method of access would draw resources toward some types of Internet connection at the cost of others.  Since there is no way to know exactly which form of connectivity will be the best, the Commission’s definition of broadband should be focused on capabilities offered. 

“Any successful plan for stimulating broadband growth through the nation must include cooperation with the private industry.  The advancements in current widespread availability of diverse connectivity options have been spurred by private capital through the free market.  The FCC can adopt policies to enhance the current offerings by reducing barriers to entry and allowing more competition in the telecommunications marketplace.

“While the benefits of stimulating widespread access to broadband Internet could be great, we respectfully urge the Commission to consider the consequences of intervention in the private market.  The fact that the private market has driven the growth and innovation in broadband to where we are today must not be ignored.  It is not unreasonable to assume that given time and advancement in technologies, market forces alone would indeed provide near universal coverage of broadband services.  As such, the Commission should harness these natural market forces through deregulation instead of distorting them with public subsidies.

“The Internet exists primarily for the sharing of knowledge and ideas.  As America’s greatest renewable resource, ideas are the driver of imagination and vibrancy in our economy.  Irresponsible or hastily planned policy toward universal broadband service could stifle continued innovation regarding the Internet, limit the dissemination of knowledge and ideas, and adversely affect economic growth.”

Citizens Against Government Waste is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.