Advocacy News – Feb. 8, 2024
What’s new: Last week, the MI Chamber joined a coalition formed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, voicing strong opposition to proposed rules by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to impose a burdensome regulatory framework on the broadband marketplace.
Why it matters: Given the critical role broadband plays in empowering and enabling digital workforce and education, commerce and American competitiveness, it is more important than ever that policymakers continue to make progress in ensuring every American family and business has greater access, not less.
The letter details why experts believe the new rules and a Title II classification of broadband is unlawful for several reasons, among them:
- The Major Questions Doctrine prevents the Commission from classifying broadband under Title II because such a determination would have significant political and economic impacts and Congress has not clearly authorized utility-style regulation of broadband.
- The Commission’s previous attempt in 2015 to impose a Title II framework slowed broadband deployment and access through decreased private sector capital expenditures and an increased regulatory burden on broadband providers.
What’s next: The MI Chamber will continue to urge the FCC to maintain the current regulatory framework for broadband and continue to monitor any progress in the rulemaking process.
For more information, contact Mike Alaimo at malaimo@michamber.com.