How About Government-Run Internet?

Small business owners can urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to not intervene in the workings of the Internet. The FCC is putting the final touches on proposed rules that will heavily regulate the Internet.

Such unnecessary meddling will only discourage innovation and investment at a time when our country needs to encourage a robust climate for both. You can visit the FCC’s blog -- www.openinternet.gov -- click on the "Join the Discussion" link, and express your views about so called “net neutrality” rules.

Please make your views known by Thursday, October 22nd. Of course, supporters of extreme internet regulation are flooding the site, so please take some time to express your views as a small business owner.

Here are some of SBE Council’s concerns about a government-run internet:

- Small business wireless consumers can currently access a broad range of innovative services and devices. At every turn, new innovative services are devices are improving the competitiveness and productivity of America’s entrepreneurs. Why is the government intervening in a market that is working beautifully? The argument has not been made (not even close to it) that the market has failed.

- Competition for wireless and broadband customers is fierce. The market is working for small business consumers. Don't disrupt it with harmful regulations.

- One of the goals of the Obama administration is to provide every American access to broadband. The FCC’s net-regulation rules work against this important goal in that they will discourage private sector investment in building out broadband infrastructure. Many small businesses still need access to broadband. The FCC is undercutting this important initiative to bring new tools to individuals and small business owners at a time that they need this support the most.

- Our economy is still struggling. The FCC is punishing the telecommunications industry at a time when we need to leverage their investment capacity to keep and create new jobs. Thousands of small businesses serve as suppliers to the industry, and placing new roadblocks to its growth and success will ultimately hurt small firms and their workforce.

Let your voice be heard!

Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO