The net neutrality rules adopted by the FCC in early 2015 have not led to a reduction in investments by ISPs in the US, according to a study by Free Press. It found that aggregate capital investments at publicly traded ISPs were 5 percent higher during the two-year period following the FCC’s Open Internet vote in February 2015 when compared to the two years prior.
Capital investments were higher at 16 of the 24 publicly traded ISPs following the FCC’s vote, led by spending on core network expansion. Cable ISPs showed the biggest increase, with physical network investments up 48 percent over the two years.
According to Free Press, the figures show that statements by the new FCC chairman Ajit Pai that broadband investment has fallen since the Open Internet order was passed are false. "The idea that a single FCC decision could have this impact on investment is preposterous," the group said in a statement.
Pai recently proposed overturning the net neutrality rules, and the FCC is expected to vote on the idea at a meeting 18 May.
