Network neutrality

A report on our approach to monitoring and ensuring compliance with the Open Internet Regulation from May 2020 to October 2021.

‘Net neutrality’, sometimes referred to as the ‘open internet’, is the principle that users of the internet (both consumers and those making and distributing content) should be in control of what they see and do online – not the broadband or mobile providers that connect people and businesses to the internet (otherwise known as internet service providers or ISPs).

This investigation was opened on 6 March 2018 following an assessment of evidence gathered under Ofcom’s enforcement programme into fixed and mobile Internet Service Provider traffic management measures, and other practices covered by the EU Open Internet Access Regulation.

Investigation into ISP traffic management practices, including those relating to mobile roaming, and other ISP practices covered by the EU Open Internet Access Regulation 2015.

Ofcom has closed its investigation into Vodafone’s compliance with net neutrality rules in respect of its Vodafone Passes products, having received written assurances from Vodafone that it has stopped restricting video quality to Standard Definition in these products.

Ofcom has today proposed to revise its guidance on how the ‘net neutrality’ rules should apply in the UK. This follows the announcement of our new programme of work to ensure that digital communications markets are working well for people and businesses in the UK.

Last year, we started a review of the UK’s net neutrality framework. In this consultation, we set out our assessment of the issues that have been raised with us and propose revised guidance on how the rules should apply.

Ofcom has begun a review of how the UK’s net neutrality framework is functioning

Net neutrality, also known as ‘open internet’, is the principle that you control what you see and do online.

Ofcom set out the steps it expects Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to take to ensure customers are aware of how internet traffic is being managed on their networks.