Network Neutrality: The Federal Network Agency Requires Rapid Changes in Stream On

Deutsche Telekom must comply with the European regulations on internet neutrality and roaming as soon as possible with its zero rating system Stream On. This was announced Tuesday by the Federal Network Agency. The Regulatory Authority thus draws the consequences of a court order of 20 November 2018. The Cologne Administrative Court declared the conditions imposed by the Federal Network Agency in December 2017 to the Telekom for legal reasons. The company is no longer allowed to reduce video quality at Stream On and must accept the offer in other EU countries.

The necessary adjustments concern current contracts as well as future contracts with the Stream-on-add-on option. "If an implementation is not carried out, the Federal Network Agency plans to impose a fine of 100,000 euros per infringement to Telekom", it was said. As four infringements were found in the decision of 6 December 2017, the amount of the fine amounts to 400,000 euros maximum.

Deadline until early December

Telekom must now notify the Federal Network Agency by December 4, 2018 if the necessary adjustments will be implemented. If this is not expected, set the Federal Network Agency, threatened fines, said a spokesman for Golem.de. The telecom announced last week "exhaust all legal possibilities"to continue using Stream On. Last year, she had already threatened to end the free offer.

A complaint against the decision of the Administrative Court of Cologne is possible before the Higher Administrative Court of the State of North Rhine Westphalia in Münster. According to the spokesman, the court could issue a so-called provisional order and stop the execution of the order for the moment.

1.5 million users and 300 content partners

Telekom announced the free complementary Stream On option in April 2017. The selected music and video services are not counted in the normal data volume. However, the data transfer rate is reduced in some tariffs. In addition, the package does not apply in other EU countries, although since last year, a roaming without additional charge is required.

According to Telekom, 1.5 million customers have already booked the option. 300 content partners broadcast music and videos, including Netflix, Spotify, Youtube and Apple Music. Even online games can now be used with Stream On. The 23 gaming partners include games like Fortnite, Pokemon Go and Asphalt Legends.