UK communications regulator Ofcom has today released a discussion paper on possible regulation of internet traffic management. Internet traffic management is the way in which network operators and ISPs stem or accelerate web traffic.
The US, Canada,…
UK communications regulator Ofcom has today released a discussion paper on possible regulation of internet traffic management. Internet traffic management is the way in which network operators and ISPs stem or accelerate web traffic.
The US, Canada, France, Norway and Sweden are also considering the regulation of traffic management, while The European Commission is due to publish a consultation on the issue this summer.
Positive uses of this practice include more efficient traffic handling, traffic prioritisation, guarantees on bandwidth and the blockage of certain content. On the negative side, though, it could also be used to promote anti-competitive behaviour or suppress the quality of content provided by certain services.
To monitor this, Ofcom says it would be able to draw upon its existing competition powers plus the ability to require transparency from suppliers, which will be strengthened when amended EU rules are transposed into UK law in 2011.
Under new European rules, national regulatory authorities must promote “the ability of end-users to access and distribute information or run applications and services of their choice”.
This broad principle does not specify whether the definition of net neutrality should exclude traffic management dictated by commercial agreements between network operators and content providers.
Essentially, the concept of net neutrality refers to creating a level playing field for internet traffic and ensuring that traffic management by network operators and ISPs not discriminate against any such traffic.
“New EU rules give regulators a clear responsibility to address the emerging issues around traffic management. The question is how Ofcom uses these and existing powers to further the interests of consumers, while supporting vibrant, innovative content production and network deployment,” said Ofcom CEO Ed Richards.
He said that because the internet has become such a central part of society, it was vital to understand how ISPs control access.
“At the heart of this discussion is how to ensure that traffic management practices are transparent and how to ensure that traffic management is not used for anti-competitive discrimination.”
Ofcom says it is seeking preliminary views on the issues raised in the discussion paper, which is available on its website. It will also conduct a series of roundtables with industry, citizen and consumer groups over the summer.
The closing date for responses is September 9, 2010.