Telecom companies back internet neutrality

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) on Friday pitched for internet neutrality in the wake of growing demands for free access to internet.

Chief executive officer (CEO) of Bharti Airtel, Gopal Vittal, said customers should be free to choose the device, technology and access platform. "I want to clarify and soothe the nerves for all the debate and all the noise that has actually taken place. As an industry our commitment is that we are pro-consumer, we want an open internet, we want customers to decide and we want internet for all," said Vittal.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vodafone, Sunil Sood, said they would abide by the government on any rules it makes in future on internet neutrality but sought that the same rule should apply for same services. "Let there be a debate on it and let the government decide what are the rules of the game. All we are trying to say is whatever the rules are, they should be applicable to all. They can't be for selected few-same service, same rules," Sood added.

More than 100,000 users have petitioned the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to prohibit telecom operators charging extra money from users and companies to open application faster, and slowing down the speeds for those who don't pay.

The government has set up a committee that would come out with its internet neutrality report in the second week of May.