The decision about what the internet of the future will look like is being made these days: European telecommunications regulators are implementing the net neutrality rules adopted by the EU Parliament. Will equal data transmission remain, or will a two-tier internet emerge?
Some infrastructure providers demand that companies pay for particularly good data transmission quality. Some companies also support this approach; they hope to gain a competitive advantage by being able to serve their customers faster and more reliably. Startups and small businesses, on the other hand, fear that they will not be able to prevail against financially strong competitors. While the new EU regulation stipulates that all data on the internet must be processed equally, so-called special services may be given preferential treatment. It remains unclear what these special services are and what privileges are granted. Should this also include – in addition to telemedicine applications – internet television, gaming, or individual streaming services?
The panel will discuss:
Markus Beckedahl, Internet political activist and journalist from Berlin, editor-in-chief of the blog Netzpolitik.org, which he founded in 2002
Dirk Grewe, Director Regulatory AffairsTelefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG
Heiko Zysk, Vice President Governmental Relations & Head of European AffairsProSiebenSat.1 Media SE
Moderation: Cherno Jobatey, TV presenter and editor of the German edition of Huffington Post
Entrance – 6:30 p.m.
Panel discussion – 7:00 PM
Get-together from approx. 8:30 p.m.
