Media Contact: 
Tina Pelkey, (202) 418-0536
tina.pelkey@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

CHAIRMAN PAI STATEMENT ON SO-CALLED ‘SAVE THE INTERNET’ ACT

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2019—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai released the following statement regarding the so-called ‘Save the Internet’ Act, which would reinstate heavy-handed Title II regulations on the Internet and passed the U.S. House of Representatives today: 

“This legislation is a big-government solution in search of a problem.  The Internet is free and open, while faster broadband is being deployed across America.  This bill should not and will not become law.”

Background:

· Faster Speeds.  Fixed broadband download speeds in the United States rose 35.8% in 2018 while upload speeds increased 22%.  Ookla concluded that “As ISPs continue to build out their fiber networks and gigabit-level speeds expand we only expect to see internet speeds increase across the U.S.”  (Ookla report, 12/12/18)
· More Fiber Connectivity.  Fiber was made available to more new homes in 2018 than in any previous year.  In 2018, the number of U.S. homes passed by fiber went up by 5.9 million.  (Fiber Broadband Association Report, 12/11/18)
· Higher Investment.  After Internet service providers reduced new investments in 2015 and 2016, broadband investment increased in 2017 by $1.5 billion.  In 2018, capital spending for the six largest broadband providers increased by approximately $2.3 billion (3.6%).  (USTelecom Report, 10/19/18; Broadband Investment in 2018 Continues Upswing, 2/7/19)

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).