[Satellite TODAY 06-25-10] Ofcom, the U.K. communications regulator, has started the net neutrality debate in the United Kingdom by publishing a discussion paper on the practice of Internet traffic management, a technique used by network operators and Internet service providers (ISPs) to stem or accelerate the flow of traffic over the web, the agency announced June 24.
    "New EU rules give regulators a clear responsibility to address the emerging issues around traffic management. The question is how Ofcom uses these and existing powers to further the interests of consumers, while supporting vibrant, innovative content production and network deployment. The Internet is playing an increasingly central role in the lives of citizens, consumers and industry. It provides access to an ever-growing range of content, applications and services that we have come to both expect and depend on. How this access is controlled by ISPs affects us all and is of wide reaching significance,” Ofcom CEO Ed Richards said in a statement.