Civil society groups warn against net neutrality rollback in forthcoming EU Digital Networks Act
The coalition warns that proposals for mandatory dispute resolution in internet interconnection could force content and app providers to pay telecom operators, reviving ‘fair share’ models from 2022. They argue such measures would raise costs, limit consumer choice, and hinder startups, MVNOs, and innovation.
Over 70 civil society organisations, consumer groups, and digital rights advocates have issued a joint statement urging EU policymakers to safeguard net neutrality in the upcoming Digital Networks Act (DNA).
The groups expressed concern that large European telecom operators are lobbying for a mandatory dispute resolution mechanism in the internet interconnection market, effectively reviving ‘fair share’ proposals first introduced in 2022. Such measures would require content and application providers (CAPs) — including streaming platforms, app developers, and media companies — to pay network usage fees to telecom companies.
Signatories argue that this system would undermine Europe’s Open internet principles, raise consumer costs, reduce choice, and entrench the power of a few dominant operators. They warn that it would create barriers for small businesses, startups, and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), while stifling innovation in Europe’s digital economy.
The statement points to repeated findings by the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), which has found no evidence of market failure justifying such intervention. According to BEREC, Europe’s interconnection ecosystem is functioning well without systemic congestion or abuse.
The coalition calls on the European Commission to reject any mechanism introducing direct or indirect payment obligations on CAPs, warning against a return to outdated telephony-era fee models. Instead, they urge EU institutions to ensure that the DNA is grounded in evidence, transparent consultation, and the EU’s Better Regulation principles.
Signatories include the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), BEUC (The European Consumer Organisation), Article 19, the Internet Society, MVNO Europe, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), and numerous national consumer and digital rights groups, alongside media and creative industry associations.