The European Commission is stepping up enforcement of net neutrality and threatened to impose stricter rules if it finds operators restricting access on their networks. The commission said it has asked the telecoms regulator Berec to conduct a study into issues "crucial to ensuring an open and neutral internet", including barriers to changing operators, blocking or throttling internet traffic (such as VoIP), transparency and quality of service. The commission will publish by the end of the year evidence from Berec's investigation, including any instances of blocking or throttling certain types of traffic. If the findings and other feedback from the market indicate outstanding problems, the commission said it will look at the need for "more stringent measures". Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission for the Digital Agenda, said such measures could take the form of "guidance or even general legislative measures to achieve the competition and choice consumers deserve". If this proves to be insufficient, she said she is prepared to prohibit the blocking of lawful services or applications. While there is no set definition of 'net neutrality' in the EU, the concept forms part of reforms to the EU telecoms regulatory framework taking effect on 25 May. This requires national regulatory authorities to promote the ability of internet users "to access and distribute information or run applications and services of their choice". Under the amended rules, service providers will also be required to provide more detailed information on the quality of services, including possible restrictions on access to particular services, actual connection speeds and possible limits on internet speeds.The net neutrality report follows a public consultation by the commission, which attracted over 300 responses.
