Net neutrality: a policy perspective
Net neutrality is a hotly debated topic around the world, and is now high on the political and regulatory agenda not only in the US but increasingly in many EU member states. It originated as a result of a debate between incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) and Internet content and service providers (ICSPs) in the US and focused on end users’ purported rights to access content, services and applications through the broadband networks. This report discusses the current debate and where it is heading, analyses the different approaches regulators and policy makers are taking, and assesses the likely impact on different industry players.
Executive summary
In a nutshell
Ovum view
Key messages
Definitions and principles of net neutrality
Born in the USA
Background
Nature of the net neutrality debate
All about preserving the status quo, whatever that is
Main actors and their positions
Broadband providers resist new regulation
ICSPs favour net neutrality, though varying in their degree of support
Consumer groups also weigh in at one end of the spectrum
Case studies
European Commission
New challenges on the horizon
Net neutrality within the November 2007 telecoms package
European Commission declaration on net neutrality
Germany
Italy
Japan
Norway
Spain
Regulator’s view on net neutrality in 2007
Stakeholders’ views on net neutrality in 2007
Current situation
UK
Broadband voluntary code of practice
US
The FCC’s 2005 policy statement
The FCC’s 2009 statement
In a nutshell
Ovum view
Key messages
Definitions and principles of net neutrality
Born in the USA
Background
Nature of the net neutrality debate
All about preserving the status quo, whatever that is
Main actors and their positions
Broadband providers resist new regulation
ICSPs favour net neutrality, though varying in their degree of support
Consumer groups also weigh in at one end of the spectrum
Case studies
European Commission
New challenges on the horizon
Net neutrality within the November 2007 telecoms package
European Commission declaration on net neutrality
Germany
Italy
Japan
Norway
Spain
Regulator’s view on net neutrality in 2007
Stakeholders’ views on net neutrality in 2007
Current situation
UK
Broadband voluntary code of practice
US
The FCC’s 2005 policy statement
The FCC’s 2009 statement
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Regulatory intervention to secure a neutral net
Table 1: Regulatory intervention to secure a neutral net
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Equal access to networks and equitable cost distribution of networks
Figure 1: Equal access to networks and equitable cost distribution of networks
