The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday approved a proposal that would treat the Internet as a public utility, similar to phone services, allowing the agency to implement regulations.
Internet service providers would be prohibited from blocking or slowing traffic on its networks in favor of certain data. These new regulations would ban paid prioritization, or the practice of charging companies fees in exchange for access to Internet “fast lanes.”
Net neutrality opponents AT&T and Verizon (who voiced its dissention in a throwback Thursday blog post written entirely in Morse code) said the move was a misguided attempt to impose outdated rules on the Internet, which they said has self-operated freely in the decades since its induction.
But L.A. tech leaders who spoke to the Business Journal on Thursday offered nearly unanimous support of the FCC’s vote, although some with skepticism. What follows is a sampling of their reaction.
“We fought for this decision because an open Internet is essential for equal access to the economy of the future, especially in the creative, technology and communications sectors, which are so critical to L.A.’s middle class. My office will continue to work with the FCC and state Public Utilities Commission in addition to mobile operators and broadband providers to deliver the best possible services to Angelenos. These new rules give us clarity and allow us to pursue an aggressive strategy in giving Angelenos the fast and affordable Internet service they deserve.” – Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti
“We’re a big fan of the move by the FCC, and it does help make the Internet fair and open. Without it, you’ll always have this threat that the service provider could choke things or skew things in their direction.” – Brian Pike, Chief Technology Officer, Demand Media
“We still have a long way to go. If you look back six months, anything about Tom Wheeler and who he is, it’s surprising the (FCC) would go so pro-consumer. … I wouldn’t be surprised if America’s least favorite companies – Time Warner Cable, Comcast, etc. – find a way to sue. In two years, there will be a new president. There will be a new FCC commissioner. It’s an ongoing war of sorts, but we won this battle.” – Matthew Goldman, CEO and founder, Wallaby Financial
“One of our biggest jobs here (at Amplify LA) is lowering all the barriers startups typically go through when they’re trying to get their product and service out to the general public. When they launch, they shouldn’t have to face any additional hurdles or costs to get their services out there. … It’s not the solution by any means, but we can make this a level playing field to spark competition.” – Chris Olson, Director of Operations, Amplify LA
“As capitalists, we generally allow a free market to operate unfettered. But in this particular instance, we recognize the chilling effects that allowing pay-to-play Internet can have on innovation. We are believers that net neutrality laws will be beneficial. As with anything, it’ll come down to the details, how these are implemented or enforced.” – Greg Gilman, General Counsel and co-founder, Science Inc.
“Net neutrality is key to ensuring that content is ubiquitously available to consumers. This helps out small content creators by ensuring that they aren’t asked to pay onerous tolls in order to ensure their content to accessible to consumers. Publishers and consumers alike benefit.” – Brian Fitzgerald, President and co-founder, Evolve Media
“FreedomPop’s motto since the day we launched has been the Internet is a right, not a privilege. We are pleased to see the FCC formally validate this today.” – Stephen Stokols, CEO, FreedomPop
“I don’t believe anything will radically change, and that is probably a good thing. It seems to preserve the status quo and therefore takes away some uncertainty that might have existed.” – Mark Goldin, Chief Technology Officer, Cornerstone OnDemand
“We are very excited about the historic decision today, and it is in line with the founding beliefs of General Assembly: open access to technology and tools for everybody to participate. Obviously there may be court battles over other things where we’ll want to have a voice, but we’re definitely looking forward to being a part of future discussion.” – Liz Simon, Associate General Counsel and Director of Public Policy, General Assembly
“Today’s decision to protect an open Internet is a victory for innovation and free speech. A free Internet provides an open environment that incubates the new ideas that feed economic growth and societal progress for the United States and the rest of the connected world.” – Matthew Casertano, Senior Vice President of Games Operations, SGN
Staff reporter Melissah Yang can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @MelissahYang for the latest in L.A. tech news.
