Wireless speeds and data processing are faster than ever before. 5G technology has paved the way for more reliable connections, seamless streaming, quicker downloads, and enhanced access, making our online experience one to appreciate, build upon, and cherish. See the Valentine’s connection? Further proven by the increase in online traffic and resiliency of networks during the COVID-19 pandemic, our networks in the U.S. are efficient and effective. Comparatively, the U.S. network performance throughout the pandemic significantly outweighed Europe’s, which is riddled with heavy-handed government regulations. Clearly not a relationship that should be emulated. Many of the technological advancements we see today in the U.S. are possible thanks to the dynamic, adaptive internet that is now a staple across our American communities.

Competition, lower prices, and increased investment are providing a robust runway for innovation. So why is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) insisting we revisit Title II Net Neutrality regulation?

Relationship Status: It’s Complicated.

In 2015, the FCC instated Title II Net Neutrality rules said to stop biased network carrier interference of the internet. The FCC believed internet service providers (ISPs) were intentionally blocking and throttling the internet for advantageous gains. At the time, outrageous claims were made that if service remained as is, we would get the internet one word at a time and in the most extreme cases, that the internet would disappear altogether.

In 2018, these rules founded on false narratives were overturned and time has proven these claims as untrue. What has happened since the rules were overturned? Significant benefits, including: considerable increases in broadband download speeds, access to the internet through new avenues like 5G Home (Fixed Wireless Access), and increased competition which has led to more consumer choice.

We’ve Moved On.

Now, the FCC is attempting to reapply this same set of rules despite all the benefits Americans have experienced. It’s ill advised to consider rekindling net neutrality rules, as they attempt to be the answer to a non-existent problem. In fact, this resurgence of Title II, utility-style Net Neutrality rules put future innovation at risk. It serves as only a distraction from the real issues at hand – connecting Americans by spurring innovation that lowers prices and alleviates access concerns.

It’s best if we stick to the course, putting resources into matters that will have real, felt effects on the American people like closing the digital divide and developing the cutting-edge innovation we use daily.  We broke up in 2018, and with no love lost, this is one split that should stick.