Union minister Ravi Prasad tweets about net neutrality, says committee to look into matter

Communication and Information Technology minister Ravi Prasad, on Tuesday, was lauded by users of social media and digital rights championers for tweeting about forming a committee to looking into the net neutrality debate.

"Internet is one of the finest creations of human mind. It belongs to the enitre humanity and not to a few. #NetNeutrality," tweeted the minister. He followed that with another tweet which read, "Our government believes in using Internet for citizen empowerment. A committee has been set up in Department of Telecom to look into #NetNeutrality."

#Internet is one of the finest creations of human mind.It belongs to enitre humanity and not to a few. #NetNeutrality pic.twitter.com/TlWmPQLRGn

— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) April 7, 2015

Our govt. believes in using #Internet for citizen empowerment. A committee has been set up in Dept. of Telecom to look into #NetNeutrality

— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) April 7, 2015

India is in the throes of a net neutrality debate with the Telecom Regulation Authority of India (TRAI) releasing consultation paper a few days ago on the regulatory framework for over the top (OTT) services. The paper includes a key section on net neutrality and whether telecos like Airtel have the right to charge an user for accessing apps like Whatsapp, Skype and Viber with free-calling services. TRAI, with its pro-corporate tilt, has been rousing a lot of concern on among digital rights champions. 

The consultation papers, accessible on the TRAI website, has welcomed suggestions from stakeholders like telecos, app-makers and users alike. Suggestions can be uploaded till April 24.