USDLA Response to FCC's Statement on Broadband Reclassification

USDLA thanks Congress for stepping in and urging the FCC to avoid classifying broadband service as telephone service.

BOSTON, May 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Distance Learning Association (USDLA) thanked Members of Congress for urging the Federal Communications Commission to avoid reclassifying broadband as a telephone service. This will have implications for consumers, particularly those who use high-speed Internet for distance learning and educational purposes.

USDLA thanks the 106 Members of Congress for their leadership in urging the Federal Communications Commission to rethink their "Third Way."  Such a fundamental shift in the legal framework for broadband services will potentially lead to regulatory uncertainty and possibly deter industry investment.  

Congressional engagement is needed to clarify regulatory authority over broadband internet transmission.

"Once again, we encourage the FCC to listen and work with all stakeholders engaged with internet related activity. Ensuring a fair and equitable application of all FCC rules and regulations for all constituencies should be paramount in all future debates and discussions. As evidenced during the past decade, high-speed Internet service has evolved beyond telephony, and the dizzying range of products and services available for consumers today reflects the diverse nature of broadband applications.

As we've stated in the past, the U.S. Distance Learning Association urges the Commission to carefully consider the repercussions of any regulatory framework. The course outlined in the Commission's most recent statement suggests that policies now implemented by internet content providers and distributors are seemingly not working in the public's best interest. At USDLA we have no evidence that such issues exist. Hence we urge the FCC to carefully consider any new rules and regulations. Although new action by the FCC might appear to be in the consumer and industry's best interest, it might also have the opposite impact or consequence. The internet industry needs to continuously grow in order to thrive. Promoting the entrepreneurial spirit that has accelerated this industry forward with such steady accomplishment should continue to guide FCC recommendations and decisions."

About USDLA:

The United States Distance Learning Association is a non-profit organization formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance education and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling, as well as business, corporate, military, government, and telehealth markets.

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SOURCE U.S. Distance Learning Association