Net neutrality: TRAI is seeking your views on these points

Moneycontrol BureauThe Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a pre-consultation paper seeking responses from stakeholders, including telecom operators, Internet companies and consumers, for defining the contours of net neutrality and Internet usage in the country.

The TRAI  has sought suggestions on six key questions on the topic, which has kicked up a storm in the past one year, by June 21.

Here is a list of some of the TRAI’s posers on net neutrality:

• What should be regarded as the core principles of net neutrality in the Indian context? What are the key issues that are required to be considered so that the principles of net neutrality are ensured?

• What are the reasonable traffic management practices that may need to be followed by TSPs while providing Internet access services and in what manner could these be misused? Are there any other current or potential practices in India that may give rise to concerns about net neutrality?

• What should be India's policy and/or regulatory approach in dealing with issues relating to net neutrality? Please comment with justifications.

• What precautions must be taken with respect to the activities of TSPs and content providers to ensure that national security interests are preserved? Please comment with justification.

• What precautions must be taken with respect to the activities of TSPs and content providers to maintain customer privacy?

• What further issues should be considered for a comprehensive policy framework for defining the relationship between TSPs and OTT content providers?

A  recap of net neutrality debate

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What is net neutrality?

It says that Internet service providers (ISPs) should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, and without favouring or blocking particular products or websites. It also directs ISPs not to discriminate on the basis of speed, access or pricing.

What happens if there is no net neutrality?

According to experts, the Internet that we know of would cease to exist. ISPs and telecom operators will be free to ink pacts with OTT operators, e-commerce portals and similar websites and web-based applications and charge users to access such services individually.

In simpler terms, it’s like buying a box of assorted chocolates against buying different chocolates individually. The assorted box will always cost you lesser.

It means that you may have to pay for using services like WhatsApp, Skype and  Snapchat, which now come free of cost.

Airtel and Facebook’s Plans Nixed

Last year, the country acted to ensure that Airtel Zero and Facebook’s Free Basics plans were shunted.

Airtel Zero platform sought a fee from consumers for access to websites under it while websites were required pay for being on the platform.

Facebook’s zero-rating platform Free Basics was also shunted by the TRAI on the grounds that it violates the principle of net neutrality.Compiled by Chaitanya GudipatySource: TRAI Consultation Paper