The Tolbert Report

I don’t normal post random letters from Gov. Mike Beebe but I thought you might find this letter he wrote the Federal Communications Commission interesting.  The FCC will consider a rule change tomorrow on the issue of net neutrality.

October 1, 2009

Julius Genachowski, Chairman

Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.

Washington, DC 20554

Dear Chairman Genachowski:

I read with interest the media reports regarding your recent speech before The Brookings Institution. Let me assure you that I, like you, favor a free and open Internet. There is certainly no room for blocking access to legal Web sites or for any type of unreasonable discrimination against providers or users.

That being said, I respectfully urge caution as the FCC conducts a rulemaking about network neutrality. I believe there is a very real risk of investment and innovation actually being stifled by unwarranted government intrusion into a process that has flourished under rules set by the market. I found it curious that the FCC intends to expand the network-neutrality concepts to the wireless market. I can’t think of another marketplace where customers win so regularly through lower prices and more features – in large part because the industry has been lightly regulated and is so competitive.

In Arkansas, the wireless industry has done remarkably well. Investment in advanced infrastructure has continued despite the extended economic downturn. Therefore, injecting more government and more regulation into both wireline and wireless Internet access should be undertaken with great care and with an eye toward avoiding unintended consequences. You indicated in your speech that the FCC would do as much as it needs to do, and no more, to ensure that the Internet remains an unfettered platform for competition, creativity, and entrepreneurial activity. I believe that statement establishes the appropriate tone for the FCC rulemaking.

I appreciate the FCC’s efforts and your leadership of the agency in sorting out extremely complicated issues, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my views.

Sincerely,

Mike Beebe