Netherlands law on net neutrality could set a new standard

The Netherlands is close to passing a bill that could set a new online standard throughout the global industry.

Dutch Parliament recently passed a law that will prevent mobile operators from blocking or charging an added fee for using online voice calling mediums such as Skype, reports a story from the BBC.

The bill must pass through the Dutch senate before it can be made official but its passage is considered a mere formality.

Once passed, the Netherlands will become the first nation in Europe to allow usage of mobile and web-based services for no added costs. This would be the first step towards the goal of treating all internet traffic equally - be it audio, video, e-mail or simple text from a web-page.

The counter-argument, however, appears to be warranted. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have long discriminated the various types because traffic from applications such as file-sharing programs and games can slow down an entire network. Consequently, ISPs tend to block or charge added fees for the hassle of congested bandwidth.

Such a move could be crucial in Europe's ongoing net neutrality debate, but it's larger implications could have a global reach. Net neutrality has been a hot topic in some of the world's largest markets including Europe, the U.S. and Canada.

Mobile service providers in Canada recently came under fire when a study revealed Canadians pay some of the highest rates for wireless data roaming charges in the world. The study's release proved to have a significant impact as Telus announced shortly thereafter their plans to reduce roaming charges by as much as 50 per cent.

(CP Photo)