Internet industry reaches agreement on network neutrality
The Norwegian Internet industry is in agreement on how it will relate to the issue of network neutrality. A number of parties have now endorsed network neutrality guidelines drawn up by a working group headed by the Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT).
Parties that have so far endorsed the guidelines are Get, ICT Norway, Lyse Tele, the Norwegian Media Businesses Association, NextGenTel, the Norwegian Cable TV Association, Schibsted, Telenor, Telio Telecom, the Consumer Ombudsman and the Consumer Council of Norway, in addition to NPT. We call on other providers to endorse the guidelines as well.
“The industry has been very obliging in clarifying its views on an important topic. That so many providers in the industry have a shared view of what network neutrality entails is likely to make it simpler for others to relate to this concept”, says Willy Jensen, Director General of NPT.
The issue of network neutrality has been the subject of intense debate in the US in recent years, and in the EU, too, the topic has been placed on the agenda. Although in Norway there were the beginnings of a discussion on network neutrality, on occasion topics that do not have anything to do with network neutrality, such as operators’ connection to NIX (Norwegian Internet Exchange) became part of the network neutrality debate.
Meant to ensure user control The guidelines define three principles that outline how network neutrality is to guarantee Internet users control over their own Internet connection. This is supported by leading Internet service providers (ISPs), content and service providers, consumer protection agencies and NPT.
“Everyone who endorses these guidelines has made it clear that they support an open Internet on which different providers can compete freely to offer content and services. Internet users need to be assured that the Internet service provider they have chosen will not act as a gatekeeper for their Internet use”, says Jensen.
The network neutrality guidelines are based on three principles:
Internet users are entitled to an Internet connection with a predefined capacity and quality.
Internet users are entitled to an Internet connection that enables them to - send and receive content of their choice - use services and run applications of their choice - connect hardware and use software of their choice that do not harm the network.
Internet users are entitled to an Internet connection that is free of discrimination with regard to type of application, service or content or based on sender or receiver address.
The Norwegian Internet industry is in agreement on how it will relate to the issue of network neutrality. A number of parties have now endorsed network neutrality guidelines drawn up by a working group headed by the Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT).