May 6, 2008

The Honorable Thomas H. Allen
U.S. House of Representatives
1127 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Re: Today’s hearing on H.R. 5353 (”The Internet Freedom Preservation Act”)

Dear Congressman Allen:

As you and your fellow members of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet consider H.R. 5353 (“The Internet Freedom Preservation Act”), we encourage you to consider the problems with this legislation and with the underlying concept of Net Neutrality:

Net Neutrality does not help build or pay for the sophisticated networks required for tomorrow’s Internet. Net Neutrality does nothing to spur deployment of the technology necessary for the surging popularity of video streaming and other data-rich applications. Net Neutrality will not bring prices down or improve web-surfing speeds. It will, however, restrict an innovative and competitive market from providing faster, more affordable broadband choices for all Americans.

Net Neutrality will stop progress in closing the Digital Divide. Since 2005, there has been astonishing broadband growth in historically underserved communities. But by shifting deployment costs onto Internet users, Net Neutrality threatens this trend – at precisely the time when we’re making so much progress!

Net Neutrality undercuts a world-class Internet. As independent experts have stated (see April 4, 2008 letter to Chairman Markey from Communications Workers of America president Larry Cohen), the use of reasonable network management is crucial if America is to meet its goals for universal and affordable service. By subjecting network management decisions to Net Neutrality, America would create legal uncertainty and bureaucratic oversight over urgent business decisions involving network traffic – with consumers ultimately losing out.

In sum, this is no time to tie the Internet down in red tape and litigation. On the two most important issues for tomorrow’s Internet – who’s going to use it and how much will it cost – Net Neutrality undermines our current progress and takes us in the wrong direction.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

The Hands Off the Internet Coalition