Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D

INTRODUCTION

1. 
   The availability of the Internet has had a profound impact on American life. This network of networks has fundamentally changed the way we communicate.¹ It has increased the speed of communication, the range of communicating devices and the variety of platforms over which we can send and receive information.² As Congress has noted, “[t]he rapidly developing array of Internet . . . services available to individual Americans represent an extraordinary advance in the availability of educational and informational resources to our citizens.”³ The Internet also represents “a forum for a true diversity of political discourse, unique opportunities for cultural development, and myriad avenues for intellectual activity.”⁴ In addition, the Internet plays an important role in the economy, as an engine for productivity growth and cost savings.⁵
   
2. 
   In section 230(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications Act or Act), Congress describes its national Internet policy. Specifically, Congress states that it is the policy of the United States “to preserve the vibrant and competitive free market that presently exists for the Internet”⁶ and “to promote the continued development of the Internet.”⁷ In section 706(a) of the Act, Congress charges the Commission with “encourag[ing] the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability” – broadband – “to all Americans.”⁸
   
3. 
   In this Policy Statement, the Commission offers guidance and insight into its approach to the Internet and broadband that is consistent with these Congressional directives.
   

2. 
   
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