Net Neutrality legislation, OCU calls for respect for freedom of consumers in internet

On August 25 the latest amendments to the new rules on network neutrality in the European Union that regulates access to the internet looking for free and neutral access were approved. This regulation however adds a number of limitations and exceptions that concern OCU as is the possibility that telecommunications companies can limit user access to the network to comply with a court order, for security or to prevent or mitigate "congestion".

Which in practice it means that in certain circumstances the telecommunications companies could control Internet traffic.  European legislation states that these situations must be reported and must meet certain quality parameters to prevent abuses from happening. It remains to be seen how the congestion and the number of them which each operator are justified, OCU understands that necessarily must be public and transparent data.

In the view of OCU is necessary to maintain net neutrality to protect the identity and the openness with which he was born internet therefore should be avoided limitations established the use of internet and with the best guarantees. To ensure an adequate supply of goods and services, globally any company must be able to make themselves known and sell their products or services without worrying about the operator to use their potential customers. Consumers may thus choose the online content or applications they want without their operation and see quickly priority or affected by telecommunications operators. For OCU it is essential that telecommunications companies do not become "gatekeepers" of internet access or they can decide what content can be accessed online or not consumers.

For OCU another critical aspect that will affect consumers is the now common on the market called "zero quota or zero-rating" from the implementation of this directive this practice, it shall be prohibited. Currently, data consumption when using some applications can be themselves as operators or Whatsapp not counted once exceeded the limit data rate for certain operators. By eliminating this possibility may involve in practice increased consumption by consumers and possibly higher bills. Although a priori it may seem a measure that penalizes consumers, OCU promotes competition and does not limit the entry of new applications or competitors in the market, so that eventually it may be beneficial to consumers.

OCU expects telecom companies in Spain respect the limitations and rules governing net neutrality guaranteeing the right of consumers to choose from.