In a move that marks increased opposition to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) net neutrality proposals, 20 Republicans wrote a letter to the FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on Monday.

The Republicans, led by Cliff Stearns - the top Republican on the House Commerce Committee's Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee - suggested that the FCC should first conduct an appropriate 'market analysis' of the broadband scenario before proceeding further with open Internet rules.

The Republicans questioned the FCC whether it had deemed net neutrality as a necessary measure after having made a comprehensive assessment of wireline, cable, wireless, satellite and broadband, along with an evaluation of networks, services, consumer electronics equipment, and applications.

The letter to Genachowski said: "You have repeatedly said that you want this to be the most data-driven FCC ever. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that commitment."

The letter cautioned the FCC that while a cursory glance may make the net neutrality rules appear "reasonable and harmless," an in-depth evaluation would reveal that these rules would not only harm consumers and thwart competition, but also "discourage new investment and innovation at a time of tremendous technological growth."

The Republicans' concern that net neutrality would wreck further broadband investment was earlier expressed on Friday, in a letter written to President Obama by House Republican Leader John Boehner and Republican Whip Eric Cantor.