Experts say the telecom regulatory body's recommendation based on the ones of best internet principles in the world
Internet activists and experts hailed recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on net neutrality as among the best in the world but said a lot would depend on how they were translated into law.
Nikhil Pahwa, founder & editor of mobile and digital news portal MediaNama, said the suggestions made by Trai weighted in favour of consumers as they ensure services providers did not discriminate between users.
"They are great for Net users because it means that telecom players cannot slow down or speed up any particular website for them (consumers) so they cannot discriminate," he told DNA Money.
According to him, the principles applied by Trai were ones of the best in the world; "Trai's recommendations are one of the better rulings. It is better than Europe, the way we see it, and definitely better than the mess that is happening in the US. This is a relief from that".
Subho Ray, president of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), said it would have to be seen how lawmakers converted Trai's recommendations into legislations.
According to him, there was a danger of "managed network", "specialised services" and other such terms being manipulated in the process of law making.
The statement issued by IAMAI said the latest recommendations on net neutrality were "in continuance with earlier position on differential pricing, bringing the entire debate to its logical conclusion".
It said that owing to these recommendation internet in India, unlike possibly in the US and China, is likely to be "free and open", upholding the "democratic principle of our country".
Meanwhile, telecom operators body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) stuck a different note.
"We had proposed broad approach on Net neutrality covering national priority of connecting the next 1 billion unconnected people in India and licensing for over-the-top players,\" telecom operators body COAI director general Rajan S Mathews said.
Law firm Khaitan & Co, associate partner, Harsh Walia said that all Internet of Things (IoT) services are not excluded from the principle of non-discrimination, but only those that fall within the ambit of specialised services to the satisfaction of the Department of Telecom.
"The IoT players not providing critical services may find it onerous, if DoT accepts this recommendation," he said.
Trai has excluded CDNs from the purview of restrictions on non-discriminatory treatment and have targeted only Internet access service providers at the moment, he said.
"While this provides a considerable relief to providers of CDN services, it puts TSPs in a precarious position, if this recommendation is accepted by DoT," Walia said.
Global think tank on issues of trade, competition and economic regulation CUTS said Trai's recommendations are perfectly synced with consumer's interest.
"An open and free Internet has till date promoted inclusive growth and with these recommendations, it is envisaged to go a long way," CUTS said.
POLES APART
- COAI said it had proposed broad approach on the issue with licensing for over-the-top players
- IAMAI calls norms progressive and pragmatic, which recognise the requirements of expansion of digital services in the country
– With agencies
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