Dutch consumers may soon be able to use Skype and other internet-based services on their smartphones for no more than their basic subscription costs under a new bill passed by Parliament Wednesday.
In a ruling “net neutrality” advocates say may set an example in Europe, mobile service providers will not be able to give preferential treatment to their own services, or block or charge extra for using cheaper alternatives to their own voice or text messaging services. The bill must still be passed by the senate, although that is usually a formality.
