Opening up the Internet to taxation is like opening the floodgates of government control.
The Federal Communications Commission is eyeing a proposal to tax broadband Internet service.
The move would funnel money to the Connect America Fund, a subsidy the agency created last year to expand Internet access.
The FCC issued a request for comments on the proposal in April. Dozens of companies and trade associations have weighed in, but the issue has largely flown under the public’s radar.
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Numerous companies, including AT&T, Sprint and even Google have expressed support for the idea.
Of course AT&T, Sprint and Google would support this legislation. It makes it more expensive for their competitors to open shop and challenge their foothold in the market. Just like with every other government action in any particular industry. As soon as the government starts making rules the special interest powers that be will begin to befriend those in power to insulate themselves from the competitive forces of the free market.
Free marketeers are not “pro-business.” We are pro-market and the market is overwhelmingly anti-business and pro-consumer.
