Financial Times FT.com

Web push derails Europe telecoms reform

By Stanley Pignal in Brussels

Published: May 6 2009 19:45 | Last updated: May 6 2009 19:45

A last-gasp push by European lawmakers to have internet access established as an inalienable human right has derailed a sweeping package of telecoms reform.

The push for Europeans to have a new "right" to access the web – which would make it harder for authorities to cut off illegal file-sharers – is likely to be blocked by national capitals before it becomes law. But the move by parliamentarians on Wednesday will also shelve a much wider package of telecom legislation.

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