All UK ISPs now committed to BSG’s Open Internet Code

The Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), an advisory organisation to the UK government, has announced that with EE, Virgin Media and Vodafone as the latest to join, all UK ISPs have now signed up to its Open Internet Code.

The voluntary code was first established in 2012 to support commitment to open internet practices. According to the BSG, the code has formed a key part in the UK government’s net neutrality policy and acts as a self-regulatory model for all signatories.

“Unlike some countries where net neutrality has become a controversial topic for discussion, the UK benefits from a fiercely competitive market and high levels of transparency – which together offer the best assurance of an Open Internet,” Matthew Evans, CEO of the BSG said.

“The Code now provides an even stronger and more effective foundation, whilst also allowing for an environment where new business models for internet-based services which benefit consumer choice can thrive.”

The three key aims of the code are to endure full and open access with no blocked services, to provide more transparency in situations where certain legal content or applications are unavailable, and not target or degrade the content or applications of specific providers.

“The Code usefully supports open access to the internet and builds on previous commitments by ISPs to provide transparent information to consumers about their traffic management policies,” Jo Connell, Chair of the Communications Consumer Panel said.

“We are delighted that EE, Virgin and Vodafone have now agreed to become signatories. The Code has gained significant interest internationally as a positive example of industry responding to a developing consumer need.”

The full list of signatories includes the following ISPs: BT, BSkyB, EE, KCOM, giffgaff, O2, Plusnet, TalkTalk, Tesco Mobile, Three, Virgin Media and Vodafone. The BSG said the initiative builds upon the code of practice published in 2011, which aimed to ensure consumers have access to clear and understandable information on ISPs traffic management methods.