Michael Powell of NCTA: Broadband must remain in a free competitive environment

During his opening speech at The Cable Show 2014, Michael Powell, CEO and president of NCTA, stressed the need to continue developing broadband in an environment of free competition, without regulation of the state.Powell was emphatic during his intervention. He cited examples of some utilities, bridge and highway infrastructure, among others, that in the hands of the government are “in a deplorable state.” He said that the incredible growth of broadband is due to the fact that it is not regulated as a public utility. “Internet is the fastest growing technology,” he said, adding that broadband speed has grown 1,500%.”Because the Internet is not regulated as a public utility it grows and thrives, watered by private capital and a light regulatory touch. It does not depend on the political process for its growth, or the extended droughts of public funding. This is why broadband is the fastest deploying technology in world history, reaching nearly every citizen in our expansive country.Broadband speeds have increased 1500 percent in the last decade. America’s Internet providers have invested US$1.3 trillion dollars since 1996 to make America’s Internet world class.”He added that the U.S. has 4 percent of the world’s population, but attracts 25 percent of all global broadband investment.Powell said the pay-TV industry cannot be complacent and must continue developing the Internet. “I believe our business is a great business that serves the best of purposes,” he added.