Communications watchdog Ofcom has announced plans to examine the traffic management techniques of the UK's biggest internet providers.
The measures, commonly used by digital TV, home phone and broadband companies, see internet speeds restricted at peak times for those customers downloading large amounts of information.
Ofcom boss Ed Richards said the increasing use of such strategies meant an investigation was necessary.
"Last year's adoption of the EU Framework moves us firmly into new territory," he told a conference in Brussels.
"It gives regulators an extensive array of powers and a clear responsibility to address some of the emerging issues around traffic management."
The comments come days after PC Pro claimed that several peers favoured an change to the forthcoming Digital Economy Bill, arguing that Ofcom should oversee and take responsibility for customer service issues raised by the sector.
