Popular streaming sites such as the BBC, Youtube and LoveFilm could be forced to pay for the data traffic they generate under plans floated by the Government culture minister yesterday.
Ed Vaizey has given his support to controversial plans for broadband access to be subject to a “two-sided” system.
Critics warned the approach would spell the end of so-called ‘net neutrality’ in which Internet users have access to all websites on an equal basis.
Speaking at the FT World Telecoms Conference in London, the communications minister stated it is important for broadband providers to adopt new business models in their attempt to provide consumers with “what they want”.
One of the ways this could be achieved is for heavy bandwidth users – both individuals and websites such as Google and the BBC – to foot the bill for the data they get through, MVaizey said.
He outlined plans for “the evolution of a two-sided market where consumers and content providers could choose to pay for differing levels of quality of service”.
But Vaizey said it was important to allow providers to innovate. He added: ‘A lightly regulated Internet is good for business, good for the economy and good for people.’
In the US President Obama has repeatedly stated his commitment to net neutrality.
But Vaizey said the situation in the UK was different, because unlike the US, consumers can choose between a wide range of Internet service providers.
Vaizey said strong competition was ‘an essential safeguard of unfair discrimination’. He said the regulator Ofcom would be asked to keep the situation under review to ensure providers were not abusing their power to drive websites out of business.
Following the cabinet member’s speech, Erik Huggers of the BBC told delegates at the conference the broadcaster would be “highly unlikely” to pay more to internet service providers to ensure the smooth operation of its iPlayer service, the Financial Times reported.
Jim Killock, of the campaigning organisation Open Rights Group, warned: ‘Removing net neutrality is likely to reduce innovation and reduce people’s ability to exercise their freedom of speech.
‘We will campaign against any market abuse, if companies like BT, Sky and Virgin restrict customer’s internet access for market advantage.’
