TRAI may say no to differential pricing plans: Sources

In what would be a setback for telecom companies, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is likely to entirely reject the controversial concept of differential pricing plans as advocated by the companies. All major telcos have been pushing for differential pricing plans for over-the-top (OTT) and services like Free Basics and other zero rating schemes. CNBC-TV18’s Kritika Saxena, quoting sources, says that the regulatory authority is likely to allow subsidized data offers for services on non-preferential basis and could also discontinue existing subsidized data packs linked to select OTT players. TRAI could also explore alternative methods to provide free internet access to users, says the sources. Instead, telecom service providers (TSPs) can provide subsidized data subjected to no restrictions. TRAI is expected to release detailed net neutrality guidelines this week. Watch video for more.