Netflix and Google triumph over ISPs

The European Parliament approved a telecoms bill that prevents Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other telecoms from charging companies like Netflix more for streaming videos.

The European Parliament approved a telecoms bill that prevents Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other telecoms from charging companies like Netflix more for streaming videos. kentoh

The legislation follows the principle of net neutrality - internet providers should give equal access to all data without discriminating.  In the US, Netflix is already paying a premium to AT&T because it streams videos, which is costly in terms of data.  Jim Killock, executive director of the Open Rights Group in the UK, said: 'The regulation means that for the first time net neutrality is properly defined and protected in law, making sure that all internet traffic is treated equally.' 

No two-tier internet

He applauded the efforts of activist groups and left-wing MEPs, and said: 'Amendments brought in by an alliance of Socialists, Greens and Liberals closed down loopholes that would allow the creation of a two-tier internet.' The bill will have to undergo another Parliament vote after European elections in addition to being scrutinized by individual governments before it is enforced.  Source: Telegraph

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