WISPA Welcomes FCC Action to Reconsider “Title II” Classification for Internet Service Providers
PRESS RELEASE
Washington, DC (April 26, 2017) – The following statement may be attributed to Alex Phillips, president of the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association(www.WISPA.org):
On behalf of hundreds of fixed wireless broadband providers serving almost 4 million customers across America, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) welcomes Chairman Pai’s initiative to determine the best way forward to ensure free and fair competition on the internet.
WISPA members have always supported an open internet that promotes consumer benefits. However, the approach taken by the FCC in recent years – applying Title II of the Communications Act to broadband providers – unfortunately replaced a light-touch regulatory structure with a slew of heavy handed regulations and a compliance burden that falls disproportionately on small businesses.
Most U.S. WISPs are small businesses serving rural areas, with an average of about 1,200 customers and fewer than 10 employees. FCC regulations designed to treat all broadband providers like large monopoly utilities are taking resources away from investment in broadband networks in under-served areas and diverting them toward lawyers and compliance consultants instead.
We appreciate that Chairman Pai intends to run an open, transparent process, and we look forward to working with the FCC to develop a regulatory scheme that enhances investment, innovation, and consumer choice, especially in under-served areas.
About WISPA
WISPA is a membership-driven trade association that promotes the development, advancement and unity of the fixed wireless internet service provider industry. For more information, visit www.wispa.org.
Media Inquiries:
Dale Curtis for WISPA, dale@dalecurtiscommunications.com, Tel: (202) 495-3701 (office) or 202-246-5659 (mobile)
Breyana Franklin, breyana@dalecurtiscommunications.com, 301-346-0056 (mobile)
All Other Inquiries:
Trina Coffey, tcoffey@wispa.org, 866-317-2851