Telecoms operators welcome European proposals on net neutrality

European telecommunication operators would face strict rules guaranteeing unrestrained Internet access for customers under “net neutrality” proposals from Brussels regulators.

Under plans tabled by the Latvian presidency of the European Council, operators will have to ensure the “equal treatment of all traffic” except in certain circumstances. These ranged from having to comply with a request from law enforcement, preserving the security of a network or letting users introduce parental controls. However, the operators will be able to offer specialised, faster services so long as they do not interfere with the service offered to other customers. The compromise was welcomed by telecom executives, given the alternatives of a hard line stance that would leave broadband networks as little more than unmanaged pipes.