EE, Virgin Media and Vodafone have thrown their support behind net neutrality by signing up to the Open Internet Code.
Launched in 2012 by the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK code commits the three internet service providers (ISPs) to provide full internet access with no data blocked "on the basis of commercial rivalry." Content providers can now lodge a complaint with the BSG if they feel their services are being discriminated against.
This latest development means that all major ISPs providing fixed and mobile networks are signed up to the code.
BSG CEO Matthew Evans said: "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."
"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."
EE also made headlines today after wrongly charging customers VAT for using data roaming abroad.
"Due to a configuration error in our billing system, made following a system change, a small number of customers were wrongly charged VAT on the Data Roaming bundle outside of Europe," an EE spokesperson commented.
"This was a mistake, and we are now refunding these charges and contacting affected customers to apologise for the error."
