Ofcom must go much further than simply making broadband providers' web traffic management policies transparent to avoid problems with net neutrality - a concept based on the internet being a level playing field for all - according to one expert.

In a discussion paper on the topic, Ofcom stated internet traffic management by web companies can allow them to handle congestion more efficiently, guarantee bandwidth, prioritise surfers by type and even block or degrade the quality of certain content.

But the document added this could lead to concerns that such firms will become "anti-competitive".

Commenting on the report, Mark Jackson, editor-in-chief of ISPreview.co.uk, said there is a danger that some broadband providers will start doing this by placing restrictions on popular websites and services like Google, YouTube and Skype.

"In some cases, albeit rare ones, this can make a service almost unusable or limit the quality of a customer's experience to the point where they may no longer desire to engage with it," he explained.

As a result, he said it is not just enough for Ofcom to demand greater transparency.

"We believe that the regulator needs to go a lot further. A line has to be drawn somewhere, to protect the internet and give evolving content a chance to flourish. It is better to do this now than to wait for the inevitable."

What do you think about the remarks?

Should internet service providers be allowed to regulate web traffic by reducing the quality of, or even restricting access to, certain websites?

Categories: Broadband

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