Early  in 2015, the  Chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission  presented his  plans to settle the Net Neutrality question, by applying  Title II  (common carrier) of the Communications Act of 1934 to the  internet in a  vote expected on February 26, 2015. At  the same  time on the other side of the Atlantic, the European Union is  about to decide on its own framework for regulation of the network.  After a vote in Parliament  in 2014 which toughened up the proposal of  the Commission, Member  States are now reportedly close to reaching an  agreement on a  principle-based approach to Net Neutrality. Issues such  as how to tackle  positive discrimination aka ‘zero-rating’ appear to  remain unresolved.

This round table will focus on the regulatory aspects of Net Neutrality, comparing EU and US perspectives, their differences, similarities and implications for the continued openness of a Borderless Internet and in terms  of regulatory  requirements for companies active in both sides of the  Atlantic.

Online invitation

Presentations of the speakers :

Antonios Drossos

Frode Sorensen

The post Regulating a Borderless Internet : EU vs US Perspectives on Net Neutrality appeared first on OpenForum Europe.

In September 2013 the European Commission unveiled its proposals for a new Telecoms package, including the draft Regulation coined as Connected Continent. One of its key components is a new set of rules intended to safeguard net neutrality. While such action has been long-awaited by many stakeholders, the current proposal is not without criticism. At a time when business models on the Internet are evolving and many European countries are already taking action to ensure a fair and balanced framework the time is now for the EU to take action.

 In line with its mission to spur insight and innovative thinking into the issues which impact the openness of technology, OpenForum Academy together with MEP Marietje Schaake organised a European Parliament Round Table on 13th November 2013. The discussion was dedicated to the economic aspects of net neutrality, and in particular the proposed provisions regarding so-called “specialised services”. How will this impact the different economic actors in the value-chain, and how would such services affect the open, non-discriminatory character of the Internet?

The post Exploring the economic impact of net neutrality in Europe appeared first on OpenForum Europe.