Sustainable Public Investment as an Alternative to Internet Tolls
At the core of the debate on network fees, or the so-called “Internet toll,” is a critical question: how can we fund the expansion of digital infrastructure to meet the growing demand for connectivity? A key analysis by Open Future sheds new light on this issue, arguing that the goals of digital transformation should not be addressed through direct economic transfers between large private actors but rather through appropriate taxation and subsequent public support for sustainable infrastructure investment.
The Internet toll proposal, championed by major telecom operators, seeks to offset the rising costs of maintaining and expanding Internet networks by requiring content providers to pay an additional fee for using these infrastructures. However, experts argue that users already pay for Internet access, and implementing such a proposal would result in “double charging,” ultimately harming both consumers and content providers without necessarily improving network quality or reach.
In Brazil, Anatel’s push to implement Internet tolls mirrors similar initiatives by major European telecom operators aimed at forcing content providers to pay for using digital infrastructure. Yet, as highlighted in Open Future’s policy brief, this approach concentrates economic power among a few large private players and risks violating the principle of net neutrality, hindering innovation and equitable Internet access. In the Brazilian context, such a policy could create a less inclusive digital environment, making it difficult for small providers and startups to compete with industry giants.
As an alternative to this wealth-concentrating model, Open Future advocates for the proper taxation of sizeable digital service companies, such as tech giants, which generate substantial traffic. The funds collected from these taxes could be directed toward expanding digital telecommunications infrastructure and supporting universal Internet access, fostering interoperable and sustainable connectivity. This approach would benefit not only private companies but society as a whole.
The debate over Internet tolls is pivotal for the future of the Internet as we know it. Open Future emphasizes that a public financing model would allow for a genuinely open and accessible Internet, where information and services flow freely, and citizens can engage in a digital public space without the influence of commercial interests. This model also promotes innovation and fair competition by encouraging digital ecosystems where platforms and services can coexist, thrive, and collaborate interoperably.
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