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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
February 12, 2015 Matthew Berry (202) 418-2005
Email: Matthew.Berry@fcc.gov
STATEMENT OF FCC COMMISSIONER AJIT PAI
ON THE LATEST EVIDENCE THAT REGULATING THE INTERNET
WILL REDUCE BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT AND COMPETITION
In recent days, we have seen even more evidence that President Obama’s 332-page plan to 
regulate the Internet will deter broadband deployment, depress infrastructure investment, and diminish 
broadband speeds in the United States.  This evidence also shows that the President’s plan will lead to 
less competition and leave Americans with fewer broadband choices.
An independent research study released this morning by the Internet Innovation Alliance shows 
that the bipartisan, light-touch American regulatory model embraced since the Clinton Administration has 
been far more successful than the Title II-style approach imposed in Europe.  For example:
? In 2011 and 2012, fixed broadband providers in the United States invested $137 billion into 
building and expanding their networks.  During those same two years, fixed broadband providers 
in Europe only invested $31 billion.
? In 2011 and 2012, mobile broadband providers in the United States invested $55 billion into 
upgrading their wireless networks.  During those same two years, mobile broadband providers in 
Europe only invested $29 billion.
? In the United States, 76% of households are located in areas with three or more fixed broadband 
providers.  In Europe, by contrast, most households do not have access to any facilities-based 
broadband alternative to the incumbent network operator.
This study confirms earlier research showing that the Title II-style regulation of Europe yields 
less investment and slower broadband. For example:
? In 2011 and 2012, 82% of United States households had access to broadband speeds of 25 Mbps 
or higher, including 48% of rural households.  During those same years, only 54% of European 
households did, including just 12% of rural households.
? In 2012, 4G LTE deployments covered 86% of Americans.  During that same time period, only 
27% of Europeans had access to LTE.
? In 2013, average mobile connection speeds in the United States were 30% faster than those in 
Europe.
As a consequence, The New York Times has reported that “the lack of ultrafast Internet access in 
much of Europe has placed local companies at a disadvantage in the digital world compared with their 
rivals in North America and Asia.” This raises a critical question. Why would we want to enact 
President Obama’s plan to import European-style regulation into the United States?  The FCC should not 
scrap a system that’s proven to be better for American consumers and entrepreneurs.