EU's digital tsar won't rule out two-tier internet

 

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By Stewart Mitchell

Posted on 11 Nov 2010 at 16:41

Europe's digital tsar has refused to rule out a two-tier internet at a summit discussing net neutrality in Brussels.

Speaking at a meeting following Europe's consultation on net neutrality, Neelie Kroes, the vice president of the European Commission responsible for the digital agenda, said she supported an unfettered internet, but left room for industries to charge for “special content”.

“We have to avoid things that stop investment,” Kroes said. “As well as openness we need industry in the game and investors will only invest if there is potential for profit. We badly need those investments to avoid bottlenecks.

“I consider the internet should remain as it is – a best-effort service - but I want to leave the door open to special management services. The network operators and content providers will explore innovative models.”

Nearly everyone agrees that traffic management is essential to optimise services, but traffic management should be used properly - it should not be a means of exploiting current constraints

Despite the olive branch to industry, Kroes maintained she fundamentally believed in an open internet governed primarily by competition, transparency and consumer choice.

“The European telecoms framework provides conditions for competition that's given rise to good offers and easier switching,” she said.

“Monopolies could create serious dangers for net neutrality and consumers need to be informed about traffic management – they need to be able to move easily if they are not satisfied.”

Switch providers

Kroes suggested customers that are affected by blocked services should move providers, citing the fact that many mobile operators block the Skype VoIP service.

“Skype blocking over mobile networks is something we see and I say to the people currently cut off from Skype to vote with your feet and leave your mobile provider,” she said.

Despite the apparent contradiction, the vice president did warn that she would not tolerate companies imposing restrictions or attempting to profit from unnecessary bandwidth throttling.

“Nearly everyone agrees that traffic management is essential to optimise services,” she said. “but traffic management should be used properly - it should not be a means of exploiting current constraints.

“Any content that is legal and doesn't cause congestion should be fully accessible and all such content should receive equal treatment. I'm ready to take action if it is necessary at any stage and the telecoms framework gives us tools. If I see problems, I will not be afraid to change laws.”