(English) EU parliament set to vote on net neutrality rules

The European parliament will take a key vote on Tuesday on rules affecting how internet traffic is managed.

MEPs are considering a new set of rules for telecoms companies inside the EU.

The plan could have major implications for net neutrality, where traffic is not slowed down or priced differently because of its content or origin.

Some people fear the plan may lead to such restrictions but others argue that first it would have to be turned into specific regulations.

Some tech companies, campaign groups and the inventor of the web Sir Tim Berners-Lee have all called for the adoption of amendments to the rules, which they believe would better safeguard the principles of net neutrality.

However, this would mean rejecting the plan in a form to which EU governments have already agreed.

Another part of the legislation, which would abolish mobile roaming charges within the EU, is popular with MEPs, so enthusiasm for rejecting it in its current form and further delaying this move is low, according to some analysts.