VoIP solutions providers 'given mobile backing'

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) solutions providers have been given the support of EU ministers in the face of landline and mobile internet providers restricting access to digital calls or blocking internet telephony services entirely.

Voice on the Net coalition VON Europe's latest report indicates that the Vodafone Group does restrict access to digital calls for pay-as-you-go customers, while other mobile providers - such as France Telecom's Orange, Germany's E-Plus and Bouygues - do not allow VoIP at all, the Guardian reports.

Ministers are now calling on the European Commission and the pan-European regulator to monitor mobile providers' traffic management so they do not hinder net neutrality and all services are treated equally.

This comes after the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills launched a scheme to allow cities in the UK to benefit from £100 million worth of funding to carry out broadband upgrades, an initiative backed by deputy prime minister Nick Clegg.