As the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) opens in Dubai today, the EBU has stressed the importance of the open internet for innovation and democratic citizenship, and urged International Telecommunication Union (ITU) member states to reject any changes that put the current dynamic internet traffic system at risk.

WICT 2012 convenes between 3 and 14 December, when the International ITU will review the current International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs), which date from 1988.

Certain reform proposals already presented envisage bringing the internet under the scope of the ITRs.

The European Telecommunications Network Operators' Association (ETNO) wants the ITRs to refer to the notion of the “end-to-end quality” of service delivery, in parallel with “best-effort delivery”. ETNO also wants a new pricing scheme where network operators that “send” content pay those that “receive” it – the so-called “sender pays” principle.

Currently, internet traffic flows through unregulated voluntary transit/peering arrangements between internet service providers (ISPs) where the receiving network operator does not receive payments at wholesale level for terminating the traffic.

The EBU believes the proposed changes would undermine the current flexible internet traffic system, disrupt citizens’ access to content and hamper the innovation that comes from the open internet.

EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre asserted that access to an open internet should be a right and not a privilege, adding: “The open internet is a driver of innovation, freedom of expression and plurality of information. We call upon ITU member states to oppose any changes which would seriously affect the current, healthy dynamism of the internet.”

A European Parliament resolution passed on November 22 called on EU member states to prevent changes to the International Telecommunication Regulations that would impair the openness of the internet, net neutrality and freedom of expression – three issues high on the EBU’s agenda.

Ms Deltenre said: “We would echo the European Parliament’s strong political signal that the internet must remain a truly public space where fundamental freedoms, net neutrality principles and entrepreneurship are protected.”

The EBU also welcomes a statement issued by the European Body of Telecom Regulators (BEREC) which shows firm support for preserving the open Internet.