FCC Rules on Net Neutrality a Step Forward for Small Businesses

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released rules today to help protect net neutrality—the principle that all Internet traffic should be treated equally—by classifying Internet service as a utility. Protecting net neutrality is something small businesses support because it would ensure a free and open Internet and help maintain a level playing field for small firms.

Maintaining net neutrality means Internet service providers would not be able to charge a fee for certain websites to receive faster service, or slow down content or block websites that have not paid to receive this special service. By treating Internet traffic equally, small businesses would not be put at a disadvantage by larger businesses that have the ability to pay to have their websites receive special prioritization through their Internet service providers. In fact, six in 10 small businesses say they're concerned for their business if carriers have the ability to slow connection time or block content at their discretion.

Small Business Majority's Economic Agenda for America's Future points to equal access to broadband support as critical to driving business growth, entrepreneurship and job creation. Infrastructure investments like broadband support the growth of a vibrant freelance and entrepreneurial economy that relies on the Internet for access to markets, customers and services to support operations. What's more, Small Business Majority's polling found 59 percent of small businesses support expanding access to high-speed wireless services.

Ensuring an open Internet through net neutrality is a step in the right direction to ensuring fair and equal access to broadband for entrepreneurs and consumers alike. We're glad the FCC is moving forward with strong rules to protect equal access to Internet service.