Rajeev Chandrasekhar backs net neutrality, recalls 2015 stand against telcos' demand of 'double charge'

Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar

A few days after more than 100 startup founders wrote to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) urging the regulator to uphold Net Neutrality,  Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Rajeev Chandrasekhar reaffirmed that he was an ally to the principle and reminded how he "pushed back against Telcos" in 2015 when a debate over net neutrality had erupted.

Chandrasekhar's comments on net neutrality are the first by an official of the Indian government ever since a debate over net neutrality arose a few weeks ago, after a few telecom companies demanded that internet companies pay them towards network cost.

Startups and India Inc have been quick to point out that such a measure, if implemented, will threaten net neutrality and may spur Big Tech dominance in the country.

Also read: MC Explains - Debate over net neutrality rears its head again

"Net Neutrality in India was a hard-fought battle for those who remember - which started during the UPA govt and peaked in 2015/2016. I led an effort where over 5 lac Indians wrote to @TRAI opposing efforts of some Telcos to cabelize the Internet & double dip/charge," Chandrasekhar said in a tweet.

During 2015-2016, a debate over net neutrality ensued over Facebook's Free Basics program, following which Save the Internet, a signature campaign was launched where lakhs of citizens wrote to TRAI requesting the regulator to uphold net neutrality. In 2016, TRAI upheld the principles.

Chandrasekhar said, "PM @narendramodi ji vision made India one of the first countries in the world to ensure #NetNeutrality and push back against Telcos wanting to be gatekeepers of the Internet.

"That decision of PM was important factor in India becoming world-leading innovation economy with this vibrant global standard startup eco-system that we see tdy," (sic) he added.

Net neutrality encompasses the idea that internet service providers (ISPs) and telecom companies should treat all online traffic equally, and refrain from any form of discrimination or favouritism towards specific websites, applications, or online services.

"Net neutrality is key to protecting consumer's freedom of choice and continued innovation in the Indian internet sector. If telecom companies are allowed to charge Internet companies based on how popular their app is, it will skew the Indian Internet market even more in favour of large, deeper-pocketed tech platforms," PhonePe CEO Sameer Nigam had earlier told Moneycontrol.

In the letter to TRAI chairman PD Vaghela, around 129 startup founders stated, "In context of the recent demands of the TSPs and its implications for the economy, we urge TRAI to further strengthen the principles in the 2016 regulations, rather than dilute it."