During the COVID-19 crisis, as much of the country has been in shutdown mode, Free State Foundation scholars have been highlighting the importance to individuals and businesses of deployment of robust and ubiquitous broadband networks. FSF explained why the Trump Administration Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s repeal of the Obama-era “net neutrality” rules and other costly legacy regulations in favor of free-market policies has been important in stimulating the investment and innovation that has enabled most broadband networks to perform well during the crisis—even as Internet traffic surged.

In March, FSF held its 12th Annual Telecom Policy Conference. The theme was “Broadband Beyond 2020: Competition, Freedom, and Privacy.” Keynote speakers included Jeffrey Rosen, Deputy Attorney General of the United States; FCC Chairman Ajit Pai; FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly; FTC Commissioner Christine Wilson; and Special Assistant to President Trump, Robin Colwell.