I've got this in my e-mail today:

Telecom’s “Traffic Management” Threatens Broadband Neutrality

Telecom has opened up another offensive against internet-based competitors in the calling market with the introduction of "traffic management" on its Xtra broadband “Go Large” plan, according to a University of Otago computer scientist.

Computer Science lecturer Simon McCallum says Telecom’s move, which enables them to create high or low traffic priorities for different internet applications, shows the need for “net neutrality” legislation in New Zealand.

“Telecom claims that traffic management is being used to share the available bandwidth between all users, but by targeting all peer-to-peer connections they are able to prevent users from taking advantage of free international calling with Voice over IP programs such as Skype.”

“This could be seen as a cynical attack on one of the major threats to traditional telecommunications providers. By limiting the bandwidth available for VoIP software, Telecom is crossing the line and discriminating against certain types of internet usage.

Similar behaviour has sparked heated debates about net neutrality in the US and Europe, he says.

“Net neutrality is the principle that companies that run the internet infrastructure should not discriminate against certain providers and set up differential pricing for "preferred" content. Legislation has already been passed in several European countries and is before the US Congress.

“If New Zealand wants to benefit from the use of broadband, and have a free and open infrastructure we need to pass net neutrality legislation.

“As the internet becomes our main source of information, the issue of net neutrality will become a core principle of an open society.

“Without adequate safeguards, telecommunications companies will be able to dictate what content and information is “acceptable” and what should be blocked.”