Netherlands Opposes Proposed New European Telecom Internet Levy

A change in the law to allow telecommunications companies to place a levy on internet traffic, such as videos and streaming services, would present a considerable risk to consumers and business, the Dutch government said Monday.

The European Commission recently opened a consultation on network costs, the latest in an international debate about net neutrality and other efforts to prevent providers from blocking, slowing down, or charging separately for internet traffic. The consultation could result in tech companies being charged for the use of telecom networks.

A levy on internet use is “not the right way to ...