The National Broadband Network has suggested a potential price hike for customers who watch Netflix, Stan and other bandwidth-sapping streaming services.

NBN Co put the proposal to its top 50 retail service providers (RSP) in a consultation paper released two weeks ago, asking companies if they would support and enforce higher rates.

“Would your organisation support the development of a price response whereby charging of streaming video could be differentiated from the charging of other traffic/services? Would your organisation be likely to productise such a mechanism if developed by NBN?” the question read.

You could soon be paying a whole lot more to watch Netflix. (Netflix)

NBN general manager of commercial Ken Walliss stressed the corporation was not working towards any pre-defined outcomes, adding process is not about levying additional charges on customers.

“We’re interested in engaging in a constructive dialogue with Retail Service Providers (RSPs) and the industry about any challenges and opportunities they may face,” he told nine.com.au.

“Video streaming is an important part of using broadband for many customers and a significant proportion of overall internet traffic and future traffic growth, and one of the particular areas where we are seeking feedback.

“We are focused on seeking specific comments from RSPs in this area. At this stage, we are seeking input from industry on whether they believe it is an area that requires attention and, if so, we are open to possible ideas they may wish to suggest.”

NBN said the question posed to RSPs was one or more than 50 that were aimed ensuring the network is able to “meet the needs of Australians today as well as delivering capacity upgrades to meet growing data demands into the future”.

The NBN said the proposal was not about working toward pre-defined outcomes (AAP)

“[This] includes the provision of additional capacity within the network to accommodate the rise of streaming services,” he said.

“The next stage of the consultation will include draft proposals from NBN after considering industry feedback, and we will then re-engage with the industry and consult further on in detail before finalising and announcing outcomes in November 2019.”

Data from market research company Roy Morgan revealed over 11.2 million Australians had Netflix subscriptions as of February 2019, which means more than half the country could be hit with excess charges if RSPs agree to the proposal.

It’s unclear if RSPs will support the idea as such a move would take away the control service providers currently have for the prioritisation and shaping of traffic – it would also be a allow NBN to make more money out of the video data by charging a premium for it.

Telstra refused to comment on the proposal.

Optus and TPG have also been contacted by Nine.com.au.