Internet Users Benefit from Prioritised Data Transport

Currently the question is raised if all data sent online are still going to be treated in the same manner or if certain data are going to be prioritised in the future. Internet providers like Google, Amazon or eBay as well as many internet users and internet activists think that the responsibility to maintain the status quo lies with the government. The status quo guaranteeing net neutrality, i.e. equal treatment of data on the internet, regardless of content, sender and urgency, is to be laid down in law. An analysis by researcher Dr. Margit Vanberg at the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) indicates, however, that internet users in particular could benefit from prioritised data transport.

"If online data were prioritised, users with high demand for capacity and quality would have access to a fast internet connection whose speed is above average. This would be especially interesting for providers and users of real-time computing, for example online stock trading, when connecting specialists to activities, online-gaming and video conferences," explains Vanberg. An interview with Vanberg is published in the latest ZEWnews.

Vanberg conducted her research as part of her dissertation. Her findings invalidate the argument that turning away from net neutrality equals online censorship and infringes on privacy. Vanberg also shows that an additional regulation of online transport services is not justified. When it comes to local area networks, which connect costumers to wide-area networks, there is a risk that monopolistic internet providers exploit their market power. To prevent this, the government has already passed an ex ante regulation on the telecommunications.

For further information please contact

Dr. Margit Vanberg, E-Mail: vanberg@zew.de