TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT TO GUARANTEE FREE INTERNET ACCESS.

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands -- The following information was released by the Netherlands Government Information Service (RVD):

The Telecommunications Act is to be amended to guarantee free access to the internet.

This was announced to the House of Representatives on Tuesday 24 May 2011 by Maxime Verhagen, Minister for Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.

Skype and WhatsApp

Some mobile internet providers have recently announced a surcharge on certain services owing to investments in the network and the decline in mobile voice and text traffic. Mr Verhagen is not opposed to payment based on volume of data or speed of transmission, but the government considers a surcharge on services like Skype or WhatsApp to be excessive.

Net neutrality

Within the next few weeks, Mr Verhagen will submit a bill to amend the Telecommunications Act, thereby anchoring 'net neutrality' in law. The amendment will protect consumers by preventing providers from blocking or charging extra for specific internet-based services via mobile phone. The House recently supported a motion by Representative Bruno Braakhuizen calling for the introduction of such a measure.

European Union

Mr Verhagen will also hold consultations at European Union level on free access to the internet. The planned amendment will make the Netherlands one of the world's first countries to guarantee free internet access by law.