After facing flak, Telecom regulator Trai on Wednesday came out with another consultation paper on net neutrality, which now deals with the issue of differential pricing for data services.
After facing flak, Telecom regulator Trai on Wednesday came out with another consultation paper on net neutrality, which now deals with the issue of differential pricing for data services. This paper essentially deals with the issue whether the telecom operators should be allowed to charge consumers differently for accessing different websites or apps.
The consultation paper, which was earlier issued by Trai, was criticised by activists as favouring the telecom players.
Over a million people had submitted response to Trai on that consultation paper, which was unprecedented public participation in any regulatory consultation in India’s history. The earlier consultation paper issued in March dealt among others with the issue whether over-the-top (OTT) players — WhatsApp, Skype, Instagram, and Facebook messenger — should be brought under the regulatory framework.
Meanwhile, the telecom department informed the Parliament that the government will take a final view on the issue of net neutrality after Trai submits its recommendations.
In the consultation paper issued on Wednesday, Trai said that it has come to its notice that some service provider are offering differential data tariff with free or discounted tariffs to certain websites or apps.
It said that such schemes are claimed to enable consumers, especially poor to access certain content on the internet free of charge.
However, “it could have negative aspects too and could go against the principle of non-discriminatory tariff,” it said.
