ITI Urges European Commission to Evaluate Negative Consequences of Network Usage Fees
BRUSSELS – Global tech association ITI is urging the European Commission to consider the negative consequences that network fees will have on the entire internet ecosystem, including inhibiting connectivity for Europeans. In comments to the Commission, ITI stresses that because of technical improvements and cooperation between network operators and content providers, internet traffic costs are not growing exponentially.
“We are concerned that network fees are even being considered in this debate. Those fees would not only be unjustified, they would also fundamentally change the internet as we know it,” said Guido Lobrano, ITI’s Director General for Europe. “Network fees also hamper innovation by diverting resources away from other important investments, ultimately leaving European consumers and businesses with higher costs and fewer choices for services and content.”
ITI appreciates the Commission’s transparency in stressing that that current consultation is exploratory. Given the many fundamental issues that remain, it is imperative that the Commission carefully assess its next steps and not rush into any initiative without having previously conducted a full, substantive impact assessment and completed a proper public consultation on potential options.
Read ITI’s submission to the consultation in full here.
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