British ISPs have defended a two-speed internet model at a ministerial summit on net neutrality chaired by communications minister Ed Vaizey.
ISPs — BT, Sky and Virgin Media — have called for prioritising some traffic on their networks and block some. But the move could make some services out of reach for many users.
The ISPs argue that content providers should not be stopped from paying to get their traffic prioritised on the network if they want to do so. However, some content owners and digital activists say a two-speed Internet model would harm net neutrality in the long term.
The BBC has asked content providers to create a broadband content group to represent them.
After the debate, Vaizey said that it is important that the Internet remains an open place.
Vaizey said, "Handling that heavier traffic will become an increasingly significant issue so it was important to discuss how to ensure the internet remains an open, innovative and competitive place.
