Senate Vote to Restore Net Neutrality is a Win for Small Businesses

For Immediate Release: 
Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Statement from Small Business Majority Founder & CEO John Arensmeyer on why the U.S. Senate’s vote to protect net neutrality is the right move for small firms

The U.S. Senate acted in the best interests of small businesses when it voted today to restore net neutrality rules. Without protections in place to keep the internet fair and open, small businesses will be put at a disadvantage when trying to compete with larger corporations that have the resources to ensure their websites receive special prioritization from their internet service providers.

This vote was necessary to undo the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) December 2017 decision to end net neutrality protections. If that disastrous FCC move is not overturned, small employers could lose business because their websites might experience longer load times, or their sites could be blocked entirely from reaching consumers.

The majority of small employers are worried about this scenario. In fact, Small Business Majority’s scientific opinion polling found 56 percent of small business owners oppose the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality, with nearly 4 in 10 strongly opposing the repeal. The poll also found nearly half of all small businesses say net neutrality is important to the operation of their business.

Maintaining an open internet through net neutrality helps ensure fair and equal access to broadband for both entrepreneurs and consumers alike. We’re glad the Senate took the first step to protect net neutrality, and we urge the U.S. House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s lead so small businesses and start-ups can compete in a busy online marketplace.

 

About Small Business Majority

Small Business Majority was founded and is run by small business owners to ensure America’s entrepreneurs are a key part of a thriving and inclusive economy. We actively engage our network of more than 58,000 small business owners in support of public policy solutions and deliver information and resources to entrepreneurs that promote small business growth. Our extensive scientific polling, focus groups and economic research help us educate and inform policymakers, the media and other stakeholders about key issues impacting small businesses and freelancers. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Press State: 
National