While there are many definitions of network neutrality, in its purest form, network neutrality is the idea that all bits traveling over networks should be treated alike and that consumers should control their online experience and remain free to access the legal content of their choice.

Controversy now surrounds this phrase as it has become synonymous with calls for regulation of the Internet. Proponents of regulation claim government intervention is needed to preserve "an open Internet.” Opponents point out that not all bits are equal, e.g., a voice conversation is less tolerant of delays than an email and that consumers already enjoy these freedoms.

Greater government intervention would likely harm innovation and consumers' online experience, particularly in mobile.

Why we care

• The FCC is taking action. The FCC is actively considering today imposing new 'open Internet' regulations on both wired and wireless networks, and this could trigger significant changes to how these networks operate with implications to consumers, mobile/online innovation and network investment.
• Wireless is different. Technologically and operationally, wireless networks are quite different from their wired broadband counterparts. Most notably, wireless networks have more significant capacity limitations, users are constantly moving, and radio spectrum is a limited resource. Network engineers need flexibility to manage traffic to keep networks running smoothly. (To learn more about this issue, check out this technical paper from Rysavy Research here.)
• Our nation faces a 'looming spectrum crisis.' These are FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's words, and he's right. Wireless Internet use is expected to grow at 100 times the rate of wireless voice calls over the next 10 years. As more Americans routinely turn to their wireless devices for Internet access, it is crucial that all U.S. policies help address the issue of keeping pace with consumer demand--and that includes safeguarding network engineers' flexibility to manage traffic in efficient and innovative ways.
• Mobile innovation thrives in an open environment. Wireless has flourished — to the benefit of consumers, our economy and American innovation — in an open environment that has thrived in the absence of significant government rules, offering consumers a plethora of options to choose a wireless experience that meets their needs. Maintaining this environment of constant innovation is essential to the future success of wireless and its many contributions to our economy and our lives.

Our point of view

• We support an open Internet. We are strong supporters of an open Internet. We also believe that consumer decisions in a competitive marketplace should continue to guide the mobile future. For that reason, we are deeply concerned about the prospect of new regulations and the associated risk of pre-empting or delaying innovation. Consumers enjoy an open Internet today. Given that fact, we believe that network management decisions are best left to engineers, rather than policymakers.
• We support transparency. We agree with the FCC that greater transparency can empower consumers with more information about the business practices of all major players in the online/mobile ecosystem. Unlike static regulations, which often quickly become dated in the tech sector, a steady flow of information would continually keep pace with changing technologies and consumer preferences. It also allows consumers to reward competitors that are most responsive to their wants and needs.
• Consumers are the best "regulators" of innovation. Generally, policymakers reserve regulation for instances of market failure or times when rules are necessary to protect consumers. Clearly, that is not the case in today's flourishing and competitive mobile innovation climate. We are concerned that new regulations would deny consumers innovative new choices and restrict mobile's vast potential.

What happens if we get it wrong?

Bottom line: We don't want to find out. Often the most compelling breakthroughs come from unexpected places. For this reason, it is essential that regulations not stall investment and invite uncertainty into a sector that is creating jobs and powering innovation. The wireless industry is responsible for 2.7 million American jobs and $100 billion of our nation's GDP. Now, with the rise of the mobile web, it has the potential to improve our economy and transform education, health care and other key areas of our society. The industry's potential is both great and unknown, and we hope our nation's policies will continue to unleash its robust innovation and growth.