Startups Need Robust Net Neutrality Rules to Compete on Level Playing Field
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) today submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to the notice of proposed rulemaking “Restoring Internet Freedom.” In its submission, NVCA advocated for robust net neutrality rules to allow startups to compete on a level playing field and to provide venture investors the confidence they need to make bold investments in technology and Internet startups.
“Venture investors assume incredible risk as they invest in an early-stage company and work with an entrepreneur to build a company into a prospering enterprise,” wrote Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of NVCA. “Strong net neutrality protections provide assurance to venture capitalists that the startup will be treated fairly in the marketplace as the company brings new products and services to the world. Net neutrality protections help protect against some of the uncertainty a startup would experience if it were subjected to discrimination by an Internet Service Provider.”
“Net neutrality has been subject to considerable litigation in the last decade and we appreciate the challenges that come with applying the strictures of the Communications Act to the modern era,” added Franklin. “Therefore, we support Congress legislating on this topic and passing strong net neutrality protections into law so that the rules may receive appropriate judicial deference going forward. That dependability will help the venture industry as it brings to life the next great technology or Internet startup. Finally, as the Commission and Congress work together on this important topic, we encourage all actors to work collaboratively to ensure there are no gaps in time in terms of net neutrality protections.”
