Driving Innovation Through Net Neutrality Policy

Background: The concept of net neutrality holds that internet service providers should enable consumer access to all legal online content and applications equally, without favoring or blocking particular sources. Supporters argue regulations are necessary to truly enable innovation, while critics counter that mandated net neutrality reduces infrastructure investment incentives.

Assignment: You lead a special FCC task force evaluating net neutrality policy impacts on balancing innovation and necessary infrastructure investments.

First, explain arguments that claim imposed net neutrality protections are essential for driving ongoing American internet innovation and competition. Provide examples of previously hindered entrepreneurial ventures and technologies. How would mandated non$-$discriminatory access help them moving forward?

Evaluate counter positions claiming that limiting the flexibility of ISPs to selectively enhance transmission speed and capacity on their privately built networks reduces incentives for investing billions into improved infrastructure. Provide evidence of past contributions in internet buildouts. How would FCC$-$imposed common carrier oversight jeopardize this?

Determine if one side makes a stronger case or if truth lies somewhere in the middle. Which arguments were more compelling regarding impacts on innovation and investment incentives?