Following the recent signings of EE, Virgin Media and Vodafone, the Broadband Stakeholder Group has announced that all of the UK’s leading Internet service providers have now signed up to a voluntary Code of Practice in support of the open Internet.
Launched in 2012, the Open Internet Code commits ISPs to the provision of full and open Internet access products and confirms that traffic management practices will not be used to target and degrade the services of a competitor.
In its latest Infrastructure Report, Ofcom described the ISPs’ commitment to the code as an “effective self-regulatory model,” which fulfils a “key part of Government policy on net neutrality.”
Alongside the most recent additions, signatories include BT, BSkyB, KCOM, giffgaff, O2, Plusnet, TalkTalk, Tesco Mobile and Three.
“Unlike some countries where net neutrality has become a controversial topic for discussion, the UK benefits from a fiercely competitive market and high levels of transparency – which together offer the best assurance of an Open Internet,” said Matthew Evans, CEO of the Broadband Stakeholder Group.
“The Code now provides an even stronger and more effective foundation, whilst also allowing for an environment where new business models for internet-based services which benefit consumer choice can thrive.”
Jo Connell, chair of the Communications Consumer Panel, added: “The Code usefully supports open access to the internet and builds on previous commitments by ISPs to provide transparent information to consumers about their traffic management policies.
“We are delighted that EE, Virgin and Vodafone have now agreed to become signatories. The Code has gained significant interest internationally as a positive example of industry responding to a developing consumer need.”
