Mary Anne Keck, Marshfield

As a teacher in rural Missouri, I see firsthand how crucial broadband access is to both students and faculty today.

Working in an industry that relies heavily on the Internet, I was disappointed to hear of regulation underway with the Federal Communications Commission, which may put access to broadband at risk.

The Internet and the innovations that have stemmed from it have played a significant role in education, as well as the everyday lives of Americans. Should heavy-handed regulations by the FCC be put into action, the Internet and how we know it would cease to exist.

The current regulation threatening broadband is known as Title II. Under this classification, broadband would be operated as a public utility, charging consumers for various amounts used.

Can you imagine the aggregate Internet usage of an entire school district? Not only will rates go up for consumers, schools and businesses, but Internet service and content providers will also experience a significant cost increase. Investment in the industry would undoubtedly subside.

Additionally, the Internet and related industries support about 10 million jobs across the country. As companies experience an increase in the cost of doing business resulting from this new regulation, millions of these jobs will be at risk.

For years, light-touch regulation on our nation's broadband has worked to expand access to broadband. Jobs have been created, and innovation has skyrocketed in education and beyond.

Let's stop this regulation and ensure that investment in broadband infrastructure continues.