ISPA calls for Govt internet policy coordination

The Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA), the trade association representing Internet Service Providers in the UK, has called for the government to promote a more cohesive and “informed” approach to Internet regulation.

The ISPA has published a “Roadmap for the Internet” featuring the call as one of eight recommendations made to the government and industry this week.

According to the ISPA the Roadmap is designed to “help businesses and consumers take full advantage of the digital economy in a secure and safe environment,” through the delivery of a “clear and fair liability regime”.

"ISPA is encouraged that the Coalition Government has made broadband roll out a priority and is consulting widely on its freedom agenda,” said Nicholas Lansman, ISPA secretary-general. “However, to ensure that the digital economy continues to grow, ISPA has produced a number of recommendations, including greater coordination of internet policy across government, a commitment to defend liability status and a clear plan for broadband roll out.”

Mr Lansman continued, “As the Internet is of such importance to the economy and society, we look forward to working with Government and parliamentarians to take the roadmap forward over the course of this Parliament.”

The ISPA’s eight recommendations are:

1. Government should review how it coordinates Internet policy across all government departments to promote a cohesive and informed approach to Internet regulation

2. A commitment to defend the status of intermediary service providers in relation to caching, hosting and as mere conduits under the e-Commerce Directive

3. The removal of barriers to help promote innovative new online content distribution models

4. A proportionate approach to communications and interception data that balances the requirements of law enforcement, demands on communication providers and users’ right to privacy

5. A clear regulatory environment that rewards investment in digital infrastructure to ensure access to faster broadband for all

6. A review of the current treatment of dark fibre assets with the aim of reducing the obstacles to small scale deployments of dark fibre networks

7. Change procurement strategies to encourage future proofed solutions and the adoption of new technologies, such as IPv6

8. An effective partnership approach to online safety between industry, Government, users and law enforcement with public bodies receiving adequate resources.