Economic affairs minister Maxime Verhagen is to amend telecoms laws to stop companies charging extra for using internet services such as the free text messaging application WhatsApp.

Last week a majority of MPs said they wanted the minister to take steps against telecom firms such as KPN which have said they will block certain services unless customers pay more.
Phone firms say free text messaging and phone calls like Skype are hitting their profits.
EU rules
Verhagen told MPs during a debate on Tuesday he would carry out their wishes although any changes will have to be tested against EU legislation.
Earlier, Verhagen said he felt internet services should remain accessible to everyone but that he could understand phone firms would want to increase their fees.
MP Afke Schaart from the ruling VVD said the party is concerned that internet subscription charges will rise for everyone if extra fees for certain services are disallowed.
According to the NRC, EU rules state that phone firms cannot ban customers from using certain services and are likely to introduce limits per application instead.
Earlier stories
KPN under fire over internet privacy
MPs call on minister to stop telcos charging extra fees
KPN to introduce charges for internet telephony
KPN unveils new strategy