Federal Trade Commission Remains Cautious on Net Neutrality

The Federal Trade Commission's Internet Access Task Force is recommending that policy makers proceed with caution in regards to Net Neutrality. In a newly issued report, entitled "Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy," observes that certain conduct and business arrangements that broadband providers may pursue, including data prioritization, exclusive deals, and vertical integration into online content and applications, can benefit consumers.



According to FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras, "The primary reason for caution is simply that we do not know what the net effects of potential conduct by broadband providers will be on all consumers, including, among other things, the prices that consumers may pay for Internet access, the quality of Internet access and other services that will be offered, and the choices of content and applications that may be available to consumers in the marketplace."http://www.ftc.gov