The European Commission (EC) has outlined the importance of net neutrality and the need for businesses and consumers to be able to access an open internet.

In a new report, published yesterday (April 19th 2011), the administration warned that it will look to ensure new rules governing the telecoms industry - due to come into force on May 25th - are being adhered to.

These regulations govern a range of factors affecting broadband use, including quality of service, transparency and the ability to switch operator.

Particular attention will be focused on the existence of generalised restrictions to home and business broadband lines that mean the connections are not as fast as advertised by the internet service provider (ISP) in question.

Limits on lawful applications and other online facilities will also be looked at.

Commissioners have called on the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications to compile evidence on crucial issues affecting net neutrality, such as the blocking or throttling of traffic via services such as voice over internet protocol.

The results of this investigation are set to be published before the end of the year, with the EC pledging to consider the need for "more stringent measures" if any outstanding problems are identified.

Neelie Kroes, vice president of the EC for the digital agenda, said: "I am determined to ensure that citizens and businesses in the European Union can enjoy the benefits of an open and neutral internet, without hidden restrictions and at the speeds promised by their service providers."

Responding to the report, citizen organisation La Quadrature du Net expressed its disappointment that no immediate measures will be taken against ISPs that restrict access to the web.

Felix Treguer, the body's head of policy and legal affairs, argued: "This clearly favours telecoms operators who want to boost their profit margins by discriminating users' communications."

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