The buzz in the telecommunications world the past few days has not been on a preview of some new innovative gadget, but the focus is around rumors that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will soon roll out new Net Neutrality policies. Unfortunately for those searching for jobs and demanding change from Washington, this move is not the answer.
Unfortunately for those searching for jobs and demanding change from Washington, this move is not the answer. According to insiders, one aspect of the proposal calls for increase regulation of wireless broadband. This news comes in the midst of real growth and expansion in the wireless sector, one of the only bright spots in the American economy. Government command and control regulation will reduce job growth in the technology space and create panic in the investment community. Yet it is not the investor we should worry about, it’s the average working class American that is currently facing insurmountable odds each day trying to find a job and fulfill their dreams. Without investment from the private sector, there will simply be less opportunity to create good paying jobs.
Investment is also critical in minority communities where Internet access has grown exponentially thanks to wireless devices. If we are to achieve what all Americans want, universal access, then we must not shut out emerging technologies such as wireless broadband by imposing more red tape. Today, even with the great strides that have been made, minority unemployment still far exceeds that of white Americans. Reducing investment will not only hinder minority adoption of Internet technology but in the long run will make communities of color less competitive in the workforce.
Not long ago, Rep. Henry Waxman put forth fair and practical legislation however going beyond the scope of what the California congressman laid out would again freeze economic development and new jobs. The proposed FCC plan will hopefully fall on deaf ears as the public is searching for, and rightfully so, policies that will drive not stunt America’s economic growth. There is common ground on broadband, and once a compromise is reached that will not suppress investment, perhaps we will be that much closer to universal access.
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