By Christie Smythe

Law360, New York (May 06, 2009, 12:00 AM ET) -- The European Parliament has voted to approve a long-negotiated telecommunications reform package aimed at providing enhanced consumer protections, including a controversial amendment that recognizes Internet access as a fundamental right.

Lawmakers voted 407-57 on Wednesday to reinstate the amendment, which bars restrictions on access to Internet services without prior ruling by judicial authorities, altering an earlier agreement with the Council of Ministers, the other half of the EU’s legislative branch.

The European Commission opposed the amendment, which some groups fear would make it more difficult to...