FCC slips net neutrality into broadband plan

US telcos receiving money under stimulus plans must not limit internet access

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is mandating net neutrality practices for companies wishing to take part in the billions of dollars earmarked for broadband expansion in the US.

The FCC said that telcos which receive money would be required to comply with its Internet Policy Statement (PDF). Among the provisions in the statement is the requirement that the networks should not limit access based on hardware, software applications or service provider.

"We must evaluate the nation's deployment of broadband, including via federal grants," said FCC chairman Julius Genachowski in a statement.

"And we must ensure that our broadband infrastructure and services advance national purposes, including job creation and economic growth."

Such a mandate could boost efforts to enforce net neutrality, which has become a hot topic both in the US and Europe as governments seek to boost funding for broadband projects as a way to create jobs and stimulate business growth.

The debate in the US came to a head last year when cable service provider Comcast admitted limiting the broadband speeds of users who were running P2P service BitTorrent.

In May, the EU issued a setback to net neutrality in Europe when it passed the controversial Harbour report.