Most of the lobbyists present in Brussels to advance corporate agendas regarding "net neutrality" aren't European, but rather come from the US, where European law is seen as a testing ground for future US legislation on the same issues. Lobbyists for Google, Yahoo, Verizon, and AT&T are haunting the offices of EU representatives in far larger numbers than their European counterparts, hoping to influence EU law to their favor.

From the IHT: "

The question before lawmakers - in Europe at the moment and in the United States probably some time this year - is how to draw the line between the need for networks to manage data to assure smooth service and the deliberate filtering that aims at popular Web sites, the content of downloads or high-volume users. Such filtering could lead to access fees on Internet businesses and, according to some free speech advocates, de facto censorship.

The debate is tied to a routine proposal working its way through the European Parliament to update minimum service requirements for EU network operators. When Parliament approved the package of requirements, known as the universal services directive, on first reading in September, lawmakers on opposite sides were able to insert language that both authorized and blocked a net neutrality mandate.

The lack of clarity touched off a vigorous lobbying battle in Brussels by U.S. businesses on both sides of the issue, in some cases supported by European companies, including Vodafone, Ericsson and VirginMedia, and free-speech advocates.

In general, operators like AT&T and Verizon oppose neutrality mandates, concerned that they might hinder the companies' ability to manage data and guarantee quality service. Internet businesses, which rely on the Web for free delivery of content and services, are seeking legal guarantees to prevent operators from charging them for access.

The U.S. approach to net neutrality has been shaped largely by the Federal Communications Commission, which in August drew up a set of four neutrality principles as it sanctioned a cable broadband operator, Comcast, for slowing the speed of broadband service to high-volume users.

Comcast is appealing the decision in Washington. The outcome of the case is expected this year and could be a major test of network neutrality in the United States, said Markham Erickson, a lawyer for the Open Internet Society, an advocacy group in Washington.

In the meantime, the lobbying focus has shifted temporarily to Belgium, where European lawmakers are closer to making a decision. Two committees are expected to vote on the legislation March 31, before a final vote by the full Parliament on April 22. The plan would also need to be approved by EU telecommunications ministers.

Lobbying by U.S. businesses in Brussels is not unusual. More than 30 U.S. companies like Pfizer, Microsoft, McDonald's, Philip Morris, Westinghouse and Kraft Foods employ lobbyists in Brussels, according to the European Parliament. Foreign countries and businesses also hire lobbyists to work in Washington."

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