BT Content Connect may 'spell end of net neutrality'

BT faces new criticism from supporters of net neutrality after launching its Content Connect service which lets ISPs that use BT's network of cables charge websites to deliver high-speed video.

Critics of the service claim that it creates a two-tier system that will severely harm competition and creativity on the internet and lead to the end of net neutrality.

Net neutrality is the concept that ISPs should treat all web traffic equally, not offer preferential treatment to companies who pay for it.

Jim Killock from the Open Rights Groups said that Content Connect represents a symbolic move away from the understanding that net neutrality is an integral cornerstone of the web: "It is essentially them saying: 'Rather than delivering whatever content is on the internet as best we can, here are our services that we will deliver through our own network.'"

He added that this would "be bad for everyone" and could put smaller content providers and public services at a commercial disadvantage compared to heavyweights like YouTube.

Content Connect will work by storing video content nearer users' homes to speed up loading times by shortening the distance the traffic has to travel.

BT has defended the plans saying that the service could actually speed up downloads across its network by easing congestion.

A spokesman told Web User: "BT supports the concept of net neutrality, but believes that service providers should also be free to strike commercial deals, should content owners want a higher quality or assured service delivery."

He also said that BT would not discriminate against other video providers on the same network who didn't pay extra but said that how the ISPs manage the content "is strictly within the domain of the ISP and not the wholesale provider". This means that BT couldn't rule out the possibility of throttling web connections.

Last year TalkTalk's executive director of strategy and regulation, Andrew Heaney, argued that it would be "perfectly normal business practice to discriminate between [companies who pay extra and those who don't]".

Culture minister Ed Vaizey appeared to support a two-tiered internet system in a speech made last November. He said that ISPs should be free to experiment with new charges and different business models.