ISPs Warn ‘Common Carrier’ Status will Cause Service Stagnation

WASHINGTON — More than 30 of the nation’s top Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have penned a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warning of a decline in innovation and new services if proposed regulations are enacted that deem ISPs to be “common carriers.”

With well-known brands such as AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Verizon, among a host of others, opposing any further restraints on how they can serve their customers, the companies claim that a common carrier designation would put them in a similar regulatory category as phone companies. This would lead to additional burdensome rules and new operational requirements that will hurt consumers.

The ISPs also claim that the enormous cost of complying with the changes in governance would drain investment capital that could otherwise power the next generation of Internet services and technology.

While some observers contend that competition will continue to drive innovation, the ISPs note that “even the potential threat of Title II has [had] an investment-chilling effect by erasing approximately ten percent of some ISPs’ market cap,” following the Title II announcement in 2009 — a reduction in funds that will accelerate with a designation of common carrier status.

“Today, Title II backers fail to explain where the next hundreds of billions of dollars of risk capital will come from to improve and expand today’s networks under a Title II regime,” the ISPs state. “They too soon forget that a decade ago we saw billions newly invested in the latest broadband networks and advancements once the Commission affirmed that Title II does not apply to broadband networks.”

If that finding is reversed, the ISPs say that new service offerings, options, and features would be delayed or altogether foregone and that consumers would face less choice, and a less adaptive and responsive Internet.

“All parts of the Internet community should be focused on working together to develop next-generation networks, applications, and services that will be critical to our global competitiveness and enhance opportunities for all Americans,” the ISPs explain. “Yet, those demanding the Title II common carrier approach are effectively compelling years — if not decades — of endless litigation and debate.”

Such a scenario is only likely to benefit the attorneys involved in the resulting litigation.

The FCC has received more than 45,000 comments on this matter in the past 30 days alone, showing the resonance of this issue among consumers and service providers. To add your voice to this discussion, visit the FCC website.

View Document

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TrustyFans Introduces New Blog

Creator directory TrustyFans has introduced an official blog to its site, titled "From Hidden to Hype."

JustFor.fans' Dominic Ford Featured in Wired Magazine

JustFor.fans Founder and CEO Dominic Ford is featured in a new article in Wired Magazine, titled "The Internet Revolutionized Porn. Age Verification Could Upend Everything."

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos Joins ProDx Health Advisory Board

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos has joined the Advisory Board of ProDx Health.

Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

New AI Companion Platform 'Pornstar.love' Launches

Pornstar.love, a new AI companion platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host 'Navigating Thoughts of Suicide' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group to help performers deal with suicidal ideation.

Plaiir Names Cade Maddox as Lead of Creator Relations

Networking platform Plaiir has appointed Cade Maddox as its new lead of creator relations.

Go.cam Launches 'One-Line Integration' Verification Solution

Go.cam has introduced a one-line code integration for age verification.

XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series

XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.

'White Rabbit' Party Headed for XBIZ Amsterdam

XBIZ is pleased to announce the White Rabbit Party, an XBIZ Amsterdam special event set to take place Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Show More