BT, Virgin and TalkTalk to open up on broadband speeds

Several prominent internet service providers (ISPs) and mobile operators have announced their intention to publish information on traffic management policies in place on their networks as part of a new code of practice.

The code was brokered by the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), and major firms such as BT, Virgin Media, TalkTalk and mobile operators Three, Vodafone and O2 have all agreed to sign up to the scheme.

Under the code, the firms agree to provide information on the traffic management policies they have in place on their fixed or mobile broadband networks and for what reasons, as well as ensuring that this information is accessible, comparable and easy to understand.

Lastly, ISPs have to publish a Key Facts Indicator (KFI) table that provides an overview of the management policies in place that will be on their web sites by June of this year, and available for third-party web sites to use as key information for consumers.

The chief executive of the BSG, Antony Walker, said creating the code would give customers more information when considering services from these firms and would reveal key data on the state of traffic management with regards to the issue of net neutrality.

"This commitment to provide clear and comparable information in a common format is very important. [It will] provide a clearer picture for policy makers of the way in which traffic management is actually used in the UK market," he said.

"Policy makers need to be able to make informed decisions about the policy and regulatory framework they set. This new commitment provides an essential building block for getting [this] right."

Owen Cole, technical director at F5 Networks, said he felt the move could well be the first step towards the creation of an independent body that would oversee network speed and prioritisation as the use of applications on the internet grows.

"A neutral eye and a neutral hand on net neutrality could go a long way to support the future development of how information moves across the internet," he said.

The code is to be piloted in 2011 and then reviewed in early 2012 after feedback from consumers and interested parties, such as consumer groups.