Europe telecom groups target Google

Major feature. Leading European telecoms companies want to levy significant charges on Google and other online content providers through an overhaul of the regime governing how data travel over the internet.

Companies led by France Telecom, Telefónica and Vodafone favour the introduction of wholesale charges based on the volume of data traffic passing through their networks, which could result in online content providers making substantial payments to get their video material to consumers.

The charging arrangements could result from reform of the so-called peering system, under which operators exchange traffic where their networks meet.

ESO: Background information: EU to probe online data traffic management http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-to-probe-online-data-traffic-management/

Wikipedia: Peering http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peering

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