Network Neutrality

Implications for Europe

International Conference
Hotel Kanzler, Bonn , Germany

Monday, 3 December 2007
Tuesday, 4 December 2007

Given the growing prominence of broadband, an intense debate concerning whether Internet service providers should be required to offer access on a non-discriminatory basis with respect to content, applications and network devices has taken place in the United States.  This debate has colourfully been dubbed as Network Neutrality.

Advocates of Network Neutrality regulation argue that broadband access is a basic public necessity, like water, gas, or electrical utilities, and that government must intervene in order to prevent private networks from exerting undue control over what content end-users can access and what network applications they can run.  However, opponents of such regulation counter that this is part of the natural evolution of a “two sided” market which will achieve an appropriate equilibrium price.  Further, additional regulations on access at this time will chill private investment, thereby reducing consumer welfare.  All argue that failure to adopt their respective positions as policy would stifle innovation and reduce economic competitiveness.

The Network Neutrality debate has not been intense so far in Europe ; however, the issue of Network Neutrality was a factor in the 2006 review of the European regulatory framework, and it could have far-reaching implications for the long-term development of ICTs in Europe .  Therefore, this is an appropriate time to assess the current situation, to identify any shortcomings, and to explore future options.

With this workshop, WIK will bring together leading experts from government, academia and industry from the United States , Japan and Europe to seek a deeper understanding of Network Neutrality.  Specific questions to explore include:

1.     What is Network Neutrality?

2.     Why has the Network Neutrality debate emerged at this particular time, and why has it manifested itself so differently in the United States (and in Japan ) than it has in Europe ?

3.     In economic terms, what are the true costs and benefits associated with deviations from Network Neutrality?

4.     What public policy options are available to mitigate the risk of deviations from Network Neutrality?  What are the costs and benefits associated with each? What is the best course going forward?

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