The European Commission launched a public consultation on preservation of the open internet (net neutrality); more particularly, it is seeking answers to questions on transparency, switching and certain aspects of internet traffic management, with a view to its commitment to preserve the open and neutral character of the Internet.

The European Commission is gathering views with a view to its commitment to preserve the open and neutral character of the Internet. Therefore, it launched a public consultation on this topic focusing on transparency, switching and certain aspects of internet traffic management. The contributions can be made before 15 October 2012. This is not the first public consultation launched by the Commission on this topic. The Commission launched another one in June 2010.

In particular the Commission seeks views on internet traffic management, including congestion management, managed services and privacy issues; transparency, in particular regarding the actual internet performance (speed and quality) and restrictions of internet access products; the possibility for consumers to switch operators and internet interconnection issues between network operators.

The Commission is particularly interested in inputs from all interested public and private parties, including fixed and mobile internet service providers, Internet content and application providers (including comparison websites), equipment manufacturers, transit providers, investors, public authorities, consumers and their associations.