TRAI’s verdict on net neutrality

The telecom service provider just sent out a notification that one can use their services only to call friends and family in Delhi and not in other parts of the country. How does that sound? Partial? Well, don’t worry it isn’t true. Why should the service provider decide who should I call from my phone? This post will try to demystify the Net Neutrality myth

The internet works on a similar principle and the principle advocates for an open internet. One must be able to communicate freely across the internet. This principle is referred to as net neutrality. For the net to be neutral, ISPs and the government must treat all data on internet equal and not charge differential based on user, content, website, app etc.

There has been much hue and cry about net neutrality off late and the debate seemed to be growing exponentially over the past few months. With the biggest names in the media industry expressing their views on net neutrality, it has been the most discussed topic all over the internet. The debate started gaining attention with Airtel coming up with a zero plan that stated that the provider will charge for VOIP calls made through apps like Whatsapp and Skype, it also made certain apps free for the users. While they argued that Airtel zero is a marketing platform where the data charges will be paid by the companies whose apps are free, the others condemned it as against net neutrality. This lead to Flipkart pulling itself out the scheme.

The telecom regulatory authority of India(TRAI) had initially come up with a consultation paper that aimed at setting up a regulatory framework for over the top (OTT) services in India like Whatsapp and Skype but was criticized on grounds that it is already regulated by the IT act.

Finally, after a lot of debates TRAI has come up with a decision that is in favor of net neutrality.

On Monday, February 8th, 2016, they barred the service providers from charging differential prices for data services and hence phased out Airtel zero and Facebook’s free basics in their current form.

The decision encompasses the following points:

1. No service provider can offer or charge discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content.
2. No service provider shall enter into any arrangement, agreement or contract, by whatever name called, with any person, natural or legal, that the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data services being offered or charged by the service provider for the purpose of evading the prohibition in this regulation.
3. Reduced tariff for accessing or providing emergency services, or at times of public emergency has been permitted.
4. Financial disincentives for contravention of the regulation have also been specified.
5. TRAI may review these regulations after a period of two years.

This decision that favors net neutrality will also favor the users who are free to access any content on the web, after all, it is the worldwide web and access to all websites must be easy and hassle free. It will also favor startups and new business owners by giving them the opportunity to showcase their products and services without being discriminated against the big giants that can easily pay money to be free to the users. Net neutrality hence supports a competitive marketplace. It also promotes freedom of speech.

A word with a Facebook spokesperson reveals that they are disappointed about TRAI’s decision but will make further efforts to promote their idea of ‘free basics’ for the unconnected. Telecom providers may also come up against the decision but for now, the battle is won and our Internet is free. This success can be attributed to our efforts to understand net neutrality and raising a voice against the abuse of our privileges by the influential giants. The victory of net neutrality is our victory.

Let’s celebrate this victory by sharing our joy by letting everyone know that the internet is infinite and we are free to use it according to our wish. And what better way to start than participating in some of the exciting challenges that we are conducting

Smriti Tuteja Author 15 Blogs