Minority Chambers of Commerce Aim to Amplify Message to the FCC: 'What's Next for Internet Regulation and the National Broadband Plan?'

The National Black Chamber of Commerce, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce reiterate points raised in a joint filing to the FCC

-- The National Black Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce today hosted a teleconference to discuss the joint letter they submitted to the FCC's NPRM on net neutrality.  The letter, also signed by the U.S. Pan Asian Chamber of Commerce, disagreed with the FCC's assertion that codifying Internet openness principles will assist in the expansion of broadband networks.

During the teleconference the Chambers congratulated the FCC for maintaining such an open and transparent process throughout the National Broadband Plan and the NPRM on net neutrality but stressed the point that the FCC needs to focus its attention on broadband expansion and adoption and not regulations that attempt to fix hypothetical problems.  

"Together the minority chambers present at this press conference represent nearly 10 million minority-owned businesses and we have not experienced the discrimination on the Internet that the FCC states as the reason for creating net neutrality regulations," said Harry Alford, president of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. "We caution that in its attempt to impose new government mandates the FCC may inadvertently deter consumer choice, limit broadband innovation, or halt Internet innovation."

"We believe that appropriate incentives, not regulations, are needed to stimulate private investment for the expansion of broadband networks," added Javier Palomarez, president of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  "That is the best way to ensure that broadband technology continues to reach and benefit the Hispanic community, and other communities in the U.S."

"Broadband access is critically important to the economic growth and success of small businesses," concluded Justin Nelson, president of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. "But invasive network regulations stagnates the expansion of broadband infrastructure which is needed to meet the growing needs of small businesses in an increasingly interconnected world."

At the close of the teleconference the National Black Chamber of Commerce, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce agreed that broadband networks and services allow people to innovate and create 21st century jobs.  Therefore the FCC question moving forward should not be how to prevent a non-existent problem, but instead how to develop balanced policy to incite investment in broadband networks so that consumers and businesses can enjoy the economic social and civic benefits in their community.

About National Black Chamber of Commerce:

The NBCC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian organization dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activity within the United States. www.nationalbcc.org

About U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce:

Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate nearly $400 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States and Puerto Rico. www.ushcc.com

About The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce:

The NGLCC is the business advocate and direct link between LGBT business owners, corporations, and government. The NGLCC was founded as the exclusive organization for certification of LGBT owned businesses, and works to foster mutually beneficial opportunities for small businesses and corporate members. As the umbrella organization for 61 state, local and international LGBT chambers of commerce affiliates, the NGLCC is the largest LGBT business advocacy and development organization in the world. www.nglcc.org/

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Harry C. Alford

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SOURCE National Black Chamber of Commerce