Europe Opens Public Debate on its Future ISP Net Neutrality Rules

The European Commission (EC), which recently announced tentative plans to allegedly support Net Neutrality (the principal of treating all internet traffic as equal) by imposing stiffer industry guidelines and delivering more “effective consumer choice“, has today launched a public consultation on the matter.

Earlier this year a report into Net Neutrality from the Body of European Regulators of Electronic Communications (BEREC) warned that there were still enough problems, such as with the lack of transparency from mobile and fixed line broadband ISPs, to warrant action.

But Europe’s new proposals stopped short of regulatory intervention and instead called for ISPs to provide more information about their service performance and restrictions. Meanwhile EU ISPs have been calling for more flexibility and even a sort of internet tax (here). Today’s new consultation is thus seeking input “from all interested public and private parties” to help inform the EC’s final policy.

Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the EC, said:

“Today there is a lack of effective consumer choice when it comes to internet offers. I will use this consultation to help prepare recommendations that will generate more real choices and end the net neutrality waiting game in Europe. Input from this consultation will help turn BEREC’s findings into practical recommendations.”

In particular the EC seeks views on the impact of ISP internet traffic management measures, transparency of service restrictions and performance, the ease to which consumers can switch ISP and internet interconnection issues between network operators. Meanwhile BEREC will continue to consult on their Net Neutrality review until 31st July 2012 and today’s consultation will remain open until 15th October 2012.

EC Net Neutrality Consultation
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/digital-agenda/actions/…/index_en.htm