Congress has approved a network neutrality law, which guarantees that internet service providers (ISPs) in Chile cannot interfere with content accessed by internet users, Business News Americas reports citing a statement issued by the lower house. Bill 4915 will amend the Telecommunications Law and outlines five obligations on the part of providers. ISPs cannot "interfere with, discriminate against or modify" content, applications or services unless this is a necessary measure to guarantee the users' privacy or protection from an internet security threat. Secondly, ISPs must provide parental-control services. Third is the obligation to provide customers with a written copy of their contract. The fourth clause is the need to guarantee user privacy, protection against viruses, and network security. Lastly is the obligation to allow access to all types of content, services and applications without discrimination. The Bill is now ready for presidential ratification.
The new neutrality law will give content provider and intent users more protection and restrict the rights of ISPs. The broadband penetration rate in Chile remains relatively low at around 10%.Telefónica Chile continues to dominate both the dial-up and broadband segments, although competition from alternative service providers is on the rise.
