Brussels – The correct European approach to net neutrality, one which is based on openness, transparency and competition, can have a significant positive impact on EU citizens and on businesses’ capacity to compete in the global arena, underlines ETNO in its response to the BEREC consultation on draft guidelines for transparency and net neutrality.

“ETNO strongly believes that given the clear and detailed provisions of the existing EU legal framework, which operators are still in the process of implementing, further regulatory intervention on the issue of net neutrality is not necessary. ETNO is, however, open to engaging in a constructive dialogue with BEREC on how to further implement the EU transparency provisions for the benefit of end-users”, says Luigi Gambardella, ETNO Executive Board Chairman.

“ETNO members are committed to providing transparent and meaningful information regarding services offered to consumers, further strengthening consumer choice, in line with the transparency obligations of the revised framework. However, since the quality of service for Internet services does not depend solely on Internet access providers, these transparency principles should be extended to all players of the value chain”, added Gambardella.

In line with the recent draft Motion for a Resolution on the Open Internet and Net neutrality in Europe adopted by the Industry, Research, Transport and Energy Committee of the European Parliament, ETNO also insists on the need for a consistent approach on net neutrality throughout the EU that relies on a transposition of the new provisions, in order to avoid a fragmentation of the Single Market and a reduction of consumer choice.

ETNO notes that the European Parliament supports the Commission’s and BEREC’s mandate to monitor and assess market developments based on the revised EU framework. ETNO believes that this analysis should fully recognise the benefits of network management. Differentiated and transparent offers, based on capacity and/or quality of services, allow for a more efficient use of the network and an appropriate response to consumer demand. Moreover, network management is an indispensable means to avoid network congestion in view of the rapidly increasing volume of data traffic.

For more information, please contact: Thierry Dieu, ETNO Acting Director/ Communications Manager Tel: (32-2) 219 32 42 Fax:  (32-2) 219 64 12 E-mail: dieu@etno.be

ETNO’s 40 member companies and 10 observers from Europe and beyond represent a significant part of total ICT activity in Europe. They account for an aggregate annual turnover of more than €600 billion and employ over 1.6 million people. ETNO companies are the main drivers of broadband and are committed to its continual growth in Europe.