Link Hoewing, VP of Internet & Technology Policy for Verizon Communications, joined a panel at New America Foundation today to respond to the question “Is the Internet Having a Mid-Life Crisis?”  Hoewing believes that competition and rapidly changing business models are not only keeping the Internet from reaching a mid-life crisis, but also tremendously benefiting consumers.  “Consumers have choices and companies are offering different ways to get content and services in response to consumer demand,” Hoewing explained using examples like streaming movie and smartphone options.

Hoewing noted that the investments network providers are making also respond to consumer demand.  Speeds and prices of broadband are only going to get better, he pointed out, sharing that Verizon is currently testing 1 gig over FiOS for their next gen of fiber.

He also addressed ways in which the market is reacting to policy, clarifying that the Verizon/Google agreement was not a business agreement, it was a policy framework to promote innovation with government oversight.

Watch the video below for Hoewing’s comments immediately following the event:

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