Beyond Net Neutrality: Policies for Leadership in the Information, Computing, and Network Industries

Abstract

Net neutrality has been a contentious policy debate for more than a decade in the US and elsewhere. The basic policy goal, shared by proponents and opponents alike, is to maintain robust and open networks so that information technology entrepreneurs can thrive by continually innovating and serving consumers. Regrettably, net neutrality as practiced in the US is failing.

In this paper we offer a framework that addresses the public-interest concerns and controversies motivating today’s net neutrality conflicts and that provides consumers and service providers a way forward with new possibilities. Our approach offers a process for allowing industry players to evolve, new entrepreneurs to disrupt the status quo, and monopoly power to be quickly addressed without counterproductive governmental constraints on innovation.

Keywords: Net neutrality, telecommunications, regulation

JEL Classification: L43, L51, L96