Unlock millions of pounds of growth by changing web traffic rules, industry chief say

OUTDATED rules on web traffic must be changed to help unlock hundreds of millions of pounds for growth, a new report says. Industry bosses say owners of small business vendors are being held back as payment apps aren’t prioritised when crowds pack into areas, industry bosses say. Andy Burnham is pushing for growth in every postcode Credit: Reuters Report calls for outdated net neutrality rules to be changed to help innovation and growth Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images It can mean revellers heading home after a night out also aren’t seen as a priority for taxi and map apps when the network is congested. The report comes as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he wants “growth in every postcode”. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Calls are being made for major reform of the net neutrality rules which require service providers to treat all internet traffic the same, The study, from Communications Chambers for Virgin Media O2, shows that the current rules stifle innovation and limit investment into 5G networks and hinder the drive for ground-breaking AI services. Lutz Schüler, boss of Virgin Media O2 said: “Outdated net neutrality rules limit innovation and hold back the full benefits of the infrastructure we’re building. “We’re not able to help customers by prioritising taxi and map apps when travelling home at night and can’t prioritise payment apps for sole traders in crowded markets. “No one is winning. New technologies like Agentic AI will improve the online experience and we’re investing £700m this year in our mobile network to boost connectivity across the UK, but with network traffic growing relentlessly we won’t get the most out of it without much-needed reform. “To unleash private sector investment, improve consumer and business services, and deliver the UK’s 5G ambition, government should use its mobile market review to remove these antiquated roadblocks to innovation so we can bring about better connectivity and services for all.” Most read in Money Stephen Howard of Communications Chambers said: “The UK will get the telecoms industry it regulates for – the question is whether that’s one embracing innovation, technological advances and new opportunities, or one that’s stymied by out-of-date rules. “If we want a mobile sector pushing the boundaries with the latest technologies and services like 5G and agentic AI, then we need modern regulation that’s fit for purpose, with rules that preserve the open internet, but which give operators the freedom to get creative and experiment.” Comment now