Dutch MPs agree on net neutrality proposal

Part of Dutch Parliament has agreed proposed legislation aimed at prohibiting internet services providers from discriminating against different types of data traffic or applications. The proposal aims to block the "tarification" of mobile and fixed internet, and was prompted by KPN's announcement that it plans new mobile data plans that could require customers to pay extra for access to certain applications such as mobile VoIP. The amendment proposed by D66 MP Kees Verhoeven has support from the opposition, left-wing parties PvdA, SP and GroenLinks, but does not yet have enough backing for a majority in the lower house. It could be backed by the PVV. The proposed legislation would forbid operators of public electronic communications networks on which internet access is offered and providers of internet access from blocking or slowing any internet services or applications. The only exceptions allowed are measures to resolve network congestion or ensure network security, or a court order. Intervention to address network congestion would require operators to treat equally similar types of data traffic. For example, if video traffic needs to be slowed, then all video traffic should be affected and not just select providers. The law would allow certain types of traffic to be given priority, such as IPTV or mobile VoIP, so operators can guarantee a certain level of service quality or bandwidth. The proposal forbids providers from making the cost of service bundles dependent on the types of services or applications used, putting KPN's proposed new plans out of the question. It will be possible to offer for example a VoIP bundle, but the consequence is that all other forms of IP traffic, such as browsing, would be blocked under it. The amendment will likely be discussed on 8 June. The Dutch economic affairs minister has already promised parliament to come with a government proposal.