I’d heard a few people talk about this issue, which is that in the UK Ed Vaizey the Communication Minister has stated that he belives most popular sites, which use the most bandwith and attract the most hits, should be charged more by internet service providers. Those that refuse to pay could end up having ports throttled while that ones that do will end up having to pass costs on the internet.

Clearly this would affect sites such as YouTube and the BBC iPlayer service, in the speech he gave at a telecoms conference in London, stating that ISPs like BT, O2, Talk Talk and Virgin Media should be able to end ‘net-neutrality’ agreements meaning they are no longer bound to treat all data traffic equally.

During the speech he said:

A lightly regulated internet is good for business, good for the economy and good for people,’ and ‘Creating the content and networks of the future requires investment. This means ISPs should be allowed to manage their networks to ensure a good customer service.’

Read more in the Metro (Article by AIDAN RADNEDGE - 17/11/2010) 
 
What do you guys make of this? 

I wonder if Vaizy knows how the BBC is funded...

" I wonder if Vaizy knows how the BBC is funded... "

I don't see a two tier internet as an inherently bad thing, as long as the upper tier costs around what broadband costs today, and the lower tier is cheaper. That way people who want full access to everything can still get it without spending any extra money, but those who don't mind a limited service can pay less. But that won't happen - ISP's will see it as a way to make more money, and they'll charge more for the higher tier, and relegate those only willing/able to pay current prices to the lower option. And Vaizy isn't even really talking about that sort of system, he seems to be more talking about charging websites rather than users - and that is just going to be a logistical nightmare with websites based all across the world.

I am most concerned about the government's neglect of net-neutrality and can't help thinking that there must be some hidden agenda in that.