Record-Breaking Spectrum Auction Disproves Industry's Title II Fears
WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission's auction of AWS-3 airwaves closed on Thursday after fetching a record-breaking $44.9 billion in bids. While the federal agency has yet to announce the winners of the auction, bidders included the nation's largest wireless carriers.
Free Press Research Director S. Derek Turner made the following statement:
"The auction’s success is further evidence that market realities — not regulatory classifications — determine telecom-industry investment. It comes on the heels of Google's statement earlier this week that anticipated Title II rules won't dampen its plans to expand the company's fiber services. And earlier this month Sprint sent a letter to the FCC stating that Title II would have no impact on the wireless carrier's plans to improve its network.
"The FCC is close to reclassifying broadband access under Title II of the Communications Act, restoring users’ legal protections to communicate free from unjust ISP interference.
"Hopefully, these developments will put to rest the many false claims of industry lobbyists intent on scaring Washington from doing what's right for Internet users.
"The phone and cable lobby must stop spreading lies about Title II and Net Neutrality. Americans demand an Internet that’s open, fast and affordable to everyone. It's time these companies helped — not hindered — efforts to make that goal a reality."
