Cisco Statement on FCC Decision to Regulate the Internet

“When the FCC Chairman’s office originally unveiled open Internet rules last year, Cisco cheered the proposal, because we support an open Internet and believe that balanced rules that protect consumers and prevent anti-competitive behavior are necessary and appropriate.

Unfortunately, the rules adopted by the FCC today bear little resemblance to the original proposal. They impose far-reaching Title II regulation on Internet access and services. We believe this will inhibit investment in wired and wireless broadband and limit consumer choice in new and innovative services relating to telemedicine, distance learning, and the Internet of Everything.

Over the coming days and weeks, we will study the new rules to see how they impact broadband investment. But we view the decision to impose heavy-handed regulation, rather than a balanced approach, as a missed opportunity.

Ultimately, this issue will be decided by the Courts and Congress, which will have the final say on the matter.”