South Korea Considering Network Access Fees for Netflix and Google

South Korean parliament started the debate on draft bills to ensure Netflix and Google pay a fair price for network access as traffic surges. The move is adding to growing global scrutiny of the contributions big tech players make to operators.

Netflix and Google reportedly account for more than a third of domestic traffic, with a public hearing seeing disputes on whether the companies should be charged for network access. Some legislators objected to the proposal, fearing it could give the companies justification to raise subscription fees and undermine South Korean content creators.

YouTube reportedly filed a petition signed by more than 250,000 people opposing the legislation, Reuters reported citing news site OpenNet. Earlier this year, YouTube allegedly threatened to curtail investment in the country over the push to charge it for network access, while Netflix previously lost a legal battle against SK Telecom following a similar altercation on fair costs.

South Korean move comes in line with recent plans by European regulators to make big tech companies pay for network access after operators complained they have been getting a free ride. Industry groups GSMA and ETNO have also called for the European Commission to apply pressure on fair contributions.