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UK regulator in net neutrality study
19 July 2010
Ofcom, the UK regulator, is following its US opposite number, the FCC, is reviewing whether ISPs restrict net traffic
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Ofcom
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BT
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UK telecoms regulator Ofcom is to review how network providers manage internet traffic. It may force internet service providers, including BT, Virgin Media and TalkTalk to disclose whether they restrict access to some websites at peak times while favouring others.
The regulator is concerned that internet providers could engage in anti-competitive behaviour and block content from other services.
The measure is similar to the one being followed by the US Federal Communications Commission, which is planning to adopt net-neutrality rules that ban companies from interfering with subscribers’ web traffic.
Ofcom may impose a minimum quality of service standard on internet providers and network operators. It will require internet providers to publish their traffic-management policies as a minimum and may consider controls, including a quality of service standard, if there is evidence of anti-competitive practices. Ofcom will seek preliminary views from companies by September. GTB