EE, Virgin Media and Vodafone back UK net neutrality code
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EE, Virgin Media and Vodafone back UK net neutrality code

EE, Vodafone and Virgin Media have signed up to the Open Internet Code, a voluntary code of practice governing net neutrality in the UK.




The trio’s move follows the likes of BT, BskyB, O2 and TalkTalk, who signed up to the Broadband Stakeholder Group’s (BSG) code in 2012. 


The deal means that all major UK ISPs operating both fixed and mobile networks are signed up to the code. It commits them to providing full and open internet access products with no blocked services, greater transparency in instances where certain classes of legal content, applications and services are unavailable on a product, and it reaffirms that unreasonable traffic management practices will not be used to target or degrade the services of a competitor.


As part of the code, any provider that believes that access to its services are being discriminated against can lodge a complaint with the BSG, who will then refer it to Ofcom and the government.


“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 BSG.


“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,” he added.



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