22 October 2008
Proposals being examined by telecoms ministers within the European Union (EU) could push up broadband bills if they are given the go ahead. According to reports, the EU wants to bring in new net neutrality rules, which would allow unrestricted internet access on a first-come-first-served basis. The legislation - which is already in operation in the United States - would prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from charging content providers more to prioritise certain web traffic. Critics of the proposals have argued that light broadband users would end up subsiding those who access high bandwidth applications on a regular basis, which could result in higher broadband bills, according to a paper by the Centre for European Policy Studies. Commenting, Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, said the EU should not bring net neutrality over from the US "lock, stock and barrel". Meanwhile, the government has unveiled details of its plans to bring broadband access to low income families in the UK with the help of special grants.