Jupiter Research predicts two-tiered net

In a new report, Jupiter Research predicts that Internet Service Providers could start charging some websites for faster access to customers.

Although this would generate increased revenues for ISPs, Jupiter warns that it could also create a “two-tiered internet” which might alienate consumers and increase the complexity of broadband service provision.

As the moment ISPs operate on tight margins so that they can offer cheap broadband deals to consumers.

They could create a new revenue stream by giving prioritised access to websites willing to pay for a faster service.

According to the report, it would be easy for ISPs to manage such a system with their existing traffic management tools, which they use to control bandwidth.

These tools could be used to identify and either prioritise or deprioritise services such as VoIP.

ISPs that offer their own value-added services, such as VoIP or IPTV would be able to prioritise their own services.