Mark Thompson is now entered into the debate about net neutrality. Photograph: Felix Clay/guardianBBC Director General, Mark Thompson, has warned broadband providers not to impose charges for the supply of the corporation's programs to homes via the Internet.
Thompson said today the continued success of online TV services, such as the BBC iPlayer could not be guaranteed, if internet service providers (ISPs) introduced a "fast lane", which would allow them to charge customers to receive content faster.
Thompson said in a speech to the Oxford Media Convention "fast lane" could undermine the BBC has a responsibility to ensure its content is accessible to all licence fee payers of each platform.
"As the Internet becomes a vehicle for the transport of richer and richer content, the question whether all content from all providers be treated equally by the network is becoming increasingly tougher," he added.
"We know the ISPs routinely allay speeds well below published headline rates. They also have the capacity, as they have used in the past – though none of the ISP is currently – to convey some content from some providers at slower speeds than others. "
Does decision to join the debate on "net neutrality" signals, he is ready to mount a robust defence of the BBC the right to provide free online content.
There has been discussion recently about whether Isps should have the right to charge premium rates for companies who are willing to pay extra to ensure their own content delivered first.
Opponents of this idea argue all content should be treated equally and supplied through the network on a first come, first served basis.
Thompson, expressed its support for the latter point of view today, telling an audience of media directors: "net neutrality ... mean [s], no matter how many fast lanes there are basic Internet services – standard lane if you like – should itself provide a very good, and consistently and fairly delivered, service."
The Director-General said he was not opposed to premium services, however, which allow broadband customers pay for faster connections, so that they can download movies and TV programs faster.
"Support net neutrality does not mean being against high-speed premium services like households can choose to subscribe to, and which guarantees the highest quality experience catchup and other Internet resources," added Thompson. "Such premium services is a good idea".
Thompson also highlighted the success of the BBC technological innovations, which he said included the iPlayer and Freeview, agreed to add that it would continue to spend money on research and development, despite the licence fee freeze last year.
"Those who seek to be digital gatekeepers would be only too happy, if the BBC and other broadcasters left technological innovation and platform and network development to others," he said. "They claim that the market can deliver. What I think they mean, in fact, is that they want to give and actually control. "
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