Open Internet

The Open Internet Working Group (OI WG) contributes to the functioning of the Internet Ecosystem as an engine of innovation and thus to ensuring a level playing field for content and application providers. In this context, the OI WG has played a crucial role in ensuring the consistent application of the Open Internet Regulation. It has notably developed and updated the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) Guidelines on the implementation of the Open Internet Regulation - the BEREC Open Internet Guidelines - which provide guidance on the implementation of the Open Internet Regulation. The OI WG also helps national regulatory authorities (NRAs) share knowledge on the harmonised application of the Open Internet rules. Another important aspect is the exchange of experience and best practices related to national measurement tools, as well as the production of reports relating to the internet ecosystem, including IP interconnection. Overall, the efforts of the OI WG aim to empower end users, so that, via their internet access service, European citizens are free to access and distribute information and content, use and provide applications and services of their choice.

Working Group Co-chairs

Christoph Mertens

BNetzA, Germany

Dr. Amédée von Moltke

BIPT, Belgium

Work in 2026

In 2026, the OI WG will continue working on related topics, based on the BEREC Work Programme 2026.

Implementation of the Open Internet Regulation and the BEREC Open Internet Guidelines

In the 2026, BEREC will monitor the implementation of the Open Internet provisions among NRAs for the period 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026. BEREC will gather the annual national Open Internet Reports and answers provided to an internal questionnaire to prepare the annual European-level Open Internet Report.

To support the NRAs’ obligation to ‘closely monitor and ensure compliance’ with the Open Internet Regulation, a forum will be held to discuss questions relating to the consistent application of the Open Internet Regulation on an informal basis. When appropriate, the workstream may also include questionnaires, surveys, workshops, etc., to collect information on topics of particular relevance to the Open Internet and to monitor emerging trends.

Collaboration on internet access service measurement tools

BEREC intends to continue the ongoing work with NRAs on their national measurement tool deployment so as to:

Further guidance on 5G network slicing

BEREC will proactively engage with stakeholders and explore options so as to provide further clarity, as requested, regarding whether network slicing is compatible with the Open Internet Regulation. To this end, BEREC will launch a call for input from stakeholders that will inform additional guidance on this specific issue.

The work will have a limited scope and will address the extent to which network slicing falls within the scope of the Open Internet Regulation and how NRAs should assess network slice implementations. It will also address how the Article 3 (5) assessment of Specialised Services could be further clarified.

Why is this important?

Net neutrality and Open Internet continue to be a crucial area of work for BEREC, and discussions are ongoing. Under the European Union (EU) rules, internet service providers are prohibited from blocking or slowing down internet traffic, except where necessary. The provisions of the Open Internet Regulation enshrine in EU law an end user’s right to be free ‘to access and distribute information and content, use and provide applications and services of their choice’. Moreover, specific provisions ensure that NRAs can enforce this right.

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