The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) is preparing to publish a study about the "net neutrality" approach to broadband internet access.

Essentially, "network neutrality" involves unrestricted access to specific online content and services and enables equal access for everyone.

CEPS's report is expected to advocate a different approach to broadband on the basis that net neutrality will not encourage internet service providers (ISP) to invest in their systems.

In addition, it means that users who predominantly use the internet for browsing or low-bandwidth functions are subsidising those with heavy usage.

With increasing numbers of people downloading large files such as music, video and games, some ISPs are already putting in place download limits with additional costs for those who exceed them.

Experts at ISP Review noted that if users downloaded 100GB each month, the total broadband cost would be around £80 to £100 each, compared with the average £15 to £20 that most fork out at the moment.

Consequently, it is thought that the CEPS report will advise the European Union and UK governments to adopt a system by which each user pays bills that are directly related to their downloading habits.

However, it is thought that this model could be unattractive to consumers and consequently to major ISPs.

This is because the old system allows "super-cheap" services and connections to be offered.

Sky currently offers three broadband packages, the cheaper of which have a monthly usage allowance. However, the Sky Max package offers speeds of up to 16Mbps with unlimited downloads.


Wednesday, 22nd October 2008

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Provider	Package	Speed	Download Limit	Setup Cost	Monthly Cost	More Info
	O2 Broadband - Standard	Up To 8Mbps	Unlimited *	FREE	£7.34	Go >>
	TalkTalk Broadband - Essentials	Up To 8Mbps	40GB	£29.99	£6.49	Go >>
	BT Broadband - Option 1	Up To 8Mbps	10GB	FREE	£7.78	Go >>
	BT Broadband - Option 2	Up To 8Mbps	15GB	FREE	£13.69	Go >>
	Virgin Media Broadband - M - Cable	Up To 2Mbps	Unlimited *	£40.00	£4.50	Go >>

* Fair Usage Policy applies. Click on Go to find out more information and Fair Usage Policy conditions for relevant providers.

** All Costs excludes the cost of line rental.

† Speeds in excess of 2 meg are only available in certain areas. Top speeds vary significantly, particularly according to how far away you live from the exchange.
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