The report shows improved quality and good level of compliance, but monitoring is still necessary.
Background: Under the EU Regulation on open internet access of 2015, which enshrines net neutrality rules in the EU, national regulatory authorities submit an annual report to the Body of European Regulators (BEREC) and to the European Commission on the state of compliance with the Regulation in the respective countries, and on the quality of internet access services. They have done so since 2017; most regulators publish these reports in July.
The quality of fixed internet access has improved in the UK: This week, Ofcom published the new iteration of the report. It finds that the quality of fixed internet access has improved compared to the previous year, with an increase in average actual speed by 18% in download, and by 15% in upload. The report does not provide detail of quality in mobile internet services, though Ofcom committed to publishing more in October 2019. On zero-rating, Ofcom has been aware of four offers during the year, and has decided not to take any action against one of them, whereas the others (from EE and Sky) are still pending review.
The Codes of Practice are working well: Ofcom found that the Codes of Practice related to transparency on broadband speeds are working well, as are the recently introduced rules on quality of service; however, Ofcom notes it is still necessary to monitor compliance with these provisions.
Network slicing for 5G should be possible: Finally, Ofcom notes it has met with stakeholders to discuss how the Regulation may be applied in the future. So far, Ofcom has not been able to identify cases where the rules would be a realistic challenge to the introduction of new 5G services, though it will continue to engage with stakeholders to monitor developments.
