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CTIA Posts Counterpoint Video to Net Neutrality Argument

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  • CTIA Posts Counterpoint Video to Net Neutrality Argument

    The other side of the argument

    I haven't spoken with every individual at Maximum PC about net neutrality and asked what their stances all, though I'm fairly confident we all agree it's a good thing. Certainly our new Editor-in-Chief Tuan Nguyen does, as evidenced by his recent articles on the topic here and here. And obviously so does Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler, who recently proposed reclassifying the Internet as a public utility. But not everyone does. Among the comments to some of the articles we've posted on the subject are arguments opposed to treating the Internet like a public utility, which would thereby give the government increased oversight. The CTIA also opposes reclassifying the Internet as such, but I'm not sure their video on the topic will do them any favors.
    What is the CTIA? It's a trade group representing wireless industry companies and is made up of members like AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, plus a whole lot more. Here's the organization's pitch against the FCC's proposal.

    In case your speakers are busted, the gist of the argument is that your wireless coverage will go to shit, taxes will go up, services like Pandora will no longer be free, and new laws will hinder your online experience if the Internet is reclassified as a utility.
    "It's like the government wants to shut down the Internet," one of the actors says (with a straight face).

    If you're in agreement with the CTIA, don't take the above Billy Madison clip personal -- the CTIA invited it with the ridiculous line quoted above. I'm not saying there aren't some valid concerns, but I'm also not buying into the CTIA's fear mongering. There are multiple examples of when it's had the best interest of wireless carriers in mind over consumers, though you could make the same argument about the government.
    So, for those of you opposed to Wheeler's proposal, I'm curious what you think about the CTIA's response. Do you share the same concerns, or are your reservations different than the CTIA's?
    Sound off in the comments section below!
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