Europe is listening to the principles of Norwegian network neutrality

The Internet should be an open and non-discriminatory platform for all types of communication and content distribution. This is a key element of the Norwegian network neutrality model that Willy Jensen, Director General of the Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT), is presenting at an EFTA seminar in Brussels today, Tuesday 16 March.

The seminar presents the EFTA member states’ practice in dealing with regulatory issues relating to network neutrality and next generation access network.

Users’ rights
The users’ right to Internet access with a predefined capacity and quality is a key element of the Norwegian principles for network neutrality.

“It is important that the Internet continues to be an open and non-discriminatory platform for all types of communication and content distribution. The Norwegian guidelines are based on agreement within the industry and reflect a balanced view of all parties involved. One important result of this work is that we have achieved a common understanding of what network neutrality is,” says Jensen.

Internet users have a right to an Internet connection that does not discriminate with regard to the applications, services or content they choose to use. In addition, the service should not be dependent on the sender or receiver address.

The Norwegian model
The Norwegian network neutrality model has been the object of great interest since it was first presented internationally in Copenhagen almost two years ago. The interest is particularly keen in European countries, and on numerous occasions, NPT has been invited to report on the model.

“The level of interest in the Norwegian network neutrality model reflects the outside world’s perception that Norway’s approach is correct and works in the market. It is obviously gratifying that this issue is generating interest and is so topical both in Europe and beyond,” concludes Jensen.

The seminar is also presenting the Swiss model for developing the next generation access network, and is attracting broad participation of regulators, representatives from the EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway), electronic communications providers, the European Parliament and the European Commission.