opinion

Lansing GOP pointlessly opposes open Internet

If you've been dying to know what our Republican-controlled state Senate thinks about open Internet, your long wait is over: They're against it.

If you've been dying to know what open Internet, or net neutrality, is, and why it's important, read our primer for the long version.

Here's the short version: It's the idea that Internet access should be equitable, that broadband providers shouldn't be able to create a "fast lane" for businesses who can pay access fees, and by default a "slow lane" for those who can't. It's the way the Internet works now, but the Federal Communications Commission lacks the legal authority to keep it that way. The commission is scheduled to vote Thursday on a rule change that would give it the authority to exercise that kind of regulatory authority on broadband providers.

The resolution passed by state Senate Republicans says that broadband providers should be able to charge what they like for faster Internet access. On its face, that sounds OK — customers pay different rates for Internet service, after all.

But the implications of net neutrality are far more significant.

There are consumer questions, like: What if Comcast, a broadband and cable service provider, tacks on additional hefty access fees for Netflix and Amazon Instant Video, competing streaming services? And then there are questions of access for institutions that don't have deep pockets, like schools and libraries and nonprofits.

The standard business defense is that this kind of regulation would quash innovation, but that's a tough argument to buy — we've had de facto net neutrality for the Internet's life span, and there's been innovation aplenty. And FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler argued just the opposite earlier this month in an opinion piece for Wired Magazine.

So why was it important for Michigan Senate Republicans to weigh in on this?

It wasn't. The state Legislature doesn't have authority over the FCC, and the FCC isn't required — or inclined, I imagine — to consider input from Lansing. It's a bit of pro-business sound and fury, signifying nothing.

It does, however, offer some clarity about where our Legislature stands, and who it stands for. There's a lot going on in our state, you may have heard — from environmental concerns, like a pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac that's getting some federal scrutiny, to a substantial budget deficit, to an education crisis. And what do our lawmakers spend time on? A meaningless resolution.

Coincidentally, this week also saw the publication of the watchdog Michigan Campaign Finance Network's examination of the state's top-spending political action committees and lobbyists.

Not-so-coincidentally, telecommunications and pro-business groups figure large on both lists. "(The Senate) Energy & Technology is a great committee because you get to milk Comcast and AT&T, not to mention DTE and CMS at another point in the season," said the campaign finance network's Rich Robinson. "Legislators give a PR statement, interest groups give money. A match made in political heaven." And while some may say it's a stretch to draw a direct link, at least it's a rationale that makes sense.

Otherwise, it's a pointless waste of lawmakers' time. And of our money.

Contact Nancy Kaffer: nancykaffer@freepress.com