BT seeks to allay "two-tier internet" fears

4th Jan 2011 16:23

Telecoms giant BT is trialling a new service that will allow internet service providers (ISPs) who use its network to deliver video content more rapidly.The new service, known as Content Connect, will enable ISPs to charge content providers more for delivering bandwidth-clogging video content.Critics have suggested that BT's move would mean an end to the concept of "net neutrality", where all traffic on the internet is accorded the same priority.A spokesman for BT, however, denied that the service would herald the introduction of a "two-tier internet"."BT supports the concept of net neutrality, but believes that service providers should also be free to strike commercial deals, should content owners want a higher quality or assured service delivery," the BBC quoted the BT spokesman as saying.