The European Union is to investigate whether internet service providers (ISPs) are providing fair access to online services. It may lead to new rules banning ISPs from restricting access to data-heavy services during peak periods.

ISPs argue that traffic management is key to maintaining a quality service.However, the EU's annnouncement falls short of the demands of net-neutrality campaigners, who want all traffic to be treated equally.

Announcing the action, the EU's commissioner for the digital agenda, Neelie Kroes, said: "I am absolutely determined that everyone in the EU should have the chance to enjoy the benefits of an open and lawful internet, without hidden restrictions or slower speeds than they have been promised. The Commission has asked the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (Berec) to undertake a rigorous fact-finding exercise on issues crucial to ensuring an open and neutral internet."

She added that the investigation will also ask businesses and consumers to highlight shortcomings, and if the findings indicate "outstanding problems" they will assess further measures. The investigation will cover both mobile and fixed providers and will be published by the end of the year.