Netnod statement on WCIT

Netnod statement on the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT-12)

In December 2012, during the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT-12), the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs) will be reviewed at the ITU (International Telecommunication Union).

WCIT-12 is at an important crossroads, as the international treaty which will come out of this conference, could define the regulatory environment for the Internet for many years to come.

Netnod notes with concern, that some current proposals to the WCIT attempt to extend the telecommunications regulations to Internet traffic, which if adopted, could have far-reaching negative consequences for the Internet.

The Internet is an enabler of growth, innovation and open communication. Netnod strongly believes that the current open, transparent and multistakeholder policy making processes are key in making the Internet the success is has become today.

Therefore, Netnod emphasises that any revisions to current ITRs should:

Embrace open, transparent and multistakeholder processes
Remain high-level, non-restricting and technology neutral
Continue to support global interoperability, growth and the ability to communicate
Refrain from any regulatory measures that restrict innovation and free competition
Not in any way seek to replace current voluntary Internet interconnection models of peering and transit