Bay State tech cos. plead with FCC to keep old net neutrality rules
Some of the Bay State’s biggest and most recognizable companies are pushing new Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai to reverse course and leave the previous administration’s net neutrality rules in place, saying the move could “kneecap” innovation and the future of the country’s economy.
“Net neutrality means that startup entrepreneurs have access and a level playing field,” said Colin Angle, chief executive of iRobot. “We are in a global economy and it is a mistake to kneecap our entrepreneurs.”
Speaking after a meeting with more than a dozen Massachusetts tech companies — including Carbonite, TripAdvisor, Microsoft and Wayfair — and U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey, Angle stressed that iRobot’s devices are becoming more and more reliant on internet access and Pai’s plan could have a significant impact on the company. Supporters of the rules Pai is looking to roll back say they prevent internet service providers from giving preferential treatment to customers that can pay for their users to access their website, or slowing down service of competitors.
Mohamad Ali, chief executive of internet backup company Carbonite, pointed out Verizon has a competing service and without net neutrality the communications giant could slow down access for his customers. Ali and others, including former President Barack Obama, have said the internet should be treated as a public utility.
“We have created an economy that allowed power neutrality, highway neutrality, telephone neutrality,” Ali said. “The internet is American’s new foundation for innovation and fair access to that foundation is in danger.”