Dutch Telecoms authority OPTA to implement EU recommendation on Net Neutrality

Dutch telecoms authority OPTA allows ISPs to manage and shape their traffic, as long as they are transparant about it. In doing so, OPTA implements the European recommendation about net neutrality, which states that transparency is, for the time being, an appropriate measure to stimulate ISPs to offer fast and good services. OPTA writes this in its Focus on 2011 (link in Dutch).

OPTA spokeswoman Cynthia Heijne clarifies the policy to Webwereld: “Competition between ISPs is the best guarantee for an open internet, but for now, we do not support specific obligations to enforce an open internet. Limitations are, therefore, allowed.” Because ISPs are obliged to be open about the limitations they impose, consumers can consider these when choosing an internet provider. Internet users are stimulated to “vote with their feet”. Competition is sought to ensure discipline in the market for (open) internet. OPTA will enforce transparency through ConsuWijzer.

The European rules do state that member states may impose minimum demands in bandwidth, when transparency does not yield the sought after results. The Dutch government, for the time being, is keeping quiet on this issue. In their governmental agreement, the coalition partners spent few words about regulating the internet: “an open and free internet is to be stimulated,” it reads.