The Consequences of Net Neutrality Regulations on Broadband Investment and Consumer Welfare

A Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeks to codify four existing principles on net neutrality and adopt two additional rules in order to maintain an “open Internet.” However, many observers say additional rules are not necessary and may, in fact, harm consumers. Others assert that there is no evidence of market failure that requires correction by regulatory intervention.  The NPRM will provide an important opportunity to collect facts about the necessity of additional regulation and its likely impact. It is also important to review the extensive quantity of existing public policy research on net neutrality and its consequences.

To that end, this report is a collection of essays from top economists and public policy experts on telecommunications and broadband issues, including a number who have worked at senior positions at the FCC and other government agencies. This report refreshes the record on this past research, which considers the likely impact of potential regulation on consumers and network investment. The authors have freely donated their time and essays for inclusion into this report.

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