Virgin Media supports Search Engine Charging Debate

Virgin Media, the leading cable and fibre optic broadband provider operating in the United Kingdom has welcomed a debate over whether access to internet service providers should be charged for search engines.

The provider of some of the popular digital TV broadband bundles in the United Kingdom had commented following a statement given by the president of Telefonica, the parent company of broadband provider O2, Cesar Alierta that search oriented websites benefited from the web without making any payment for its access.

Alierta suggested to a broadband comparison website that something required to be changed regarding the issue and the internet service providers might have to ponder seriously over charging search websites for access.

Meanwhile, a Virgin Media spokesman said while discussing the issue with the same website that they robustly supported the theory that the internet should be maintained a space, which was open to all, although they also recognised that as more people were turning to the web in need of content, different ISPs would hold different priorities and needs.

The source further added that it was legitimate enough to question how to solve the problem, besides claiming that the fibre optic broadband provider welcomed an informed debate on the problem.