udvekslingsneutralitet

Udvekslingsneutralitet, often translated as "exchange neutrality" or "interconnection neutrality," is a principle within telecommunications regulation that aims to ensure fair and non-discriminatory access to essential network infrastructure. It dictates that a provider of a network, such as a telecommunications operator, must grant access to its infrastructure to other service providers on terms that are equivalent to those it applies to its own services or services of affiliated companies. This principle is particularly relevant in markets where a single or a few companies control critical infrastructure, such as the physical network infrastructure for broadband internet or mobile communication.

The core idea behind udvekslingsneutralitet is to prevent incumbent operators from leveraging their control over the physical network to disadvantage competitors offering services over that network. For example, an internet service provider with its own content delivery network might be tempted to offer preferential treatment, such as faster speeds or lower latency, to its own content. Udvekslingsneutralitet would aim to prevent this by requiring the provider to offer the same level of service to competing content providers.

This principle is considered a cornerstone of promoting competition and innovation in the telecommunications sector. By ensuring that all service providers have a level playing field in accessing the underlying network, it encourages new entrants and allows smaller companies to compete with larger, established players. This can lead to a wider variety of services, lower prices, and better quality for consumers. The implementation and interpretation of udvekslingsneutralitet can vary across different jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks, but its fundamental objective remains the same: fostering an open and competitive digital ecosystem.