Net neutrality: TRAI open to ideas till 12 April

Net neutrality: TRAI open to ideas till 12 April

NEW DELHI: A second extension has been given to stakeholders to give their views on the crucial issue of net neutrality, on which a consultation paper had been issued by theTelecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 4 January, 2017,

Those wanting to give their views on this subject may do so by 12 April with counter comments if any by 26 April 2017.

Earlier, the date of 15 February 2017 had been extended to 15 March 2017. The regulator made it clear that no further extension would be given.

The aim is to establish a comprehensive framework that allows non-discriminatory access to the internet since net neutrality has been a subject of debate between content providers and telecom operators.

TRAI  posed 14 questions that attempt to define the concept of net neutrality in the Indian context in a 65-page document. This follows a pre-consultation paper on the subject last May. The aim is to ensure that access is not, blocked, throttled or preferentially treated by service providers.

“The purpose of this second stage of consultation is to proceed towards the formulation of final views on policy or regulatory interventions, where required, on the subject of NN (net neutrality),” Trai said in the paper.

The paper said telecom service providers (TSPs) have to adopt traffic management practices to ensure network efficiency but that these should not be misused.

Also Read:

TRAI issues fresh paper seeking views on Net Neutrality definition

Net Neutrality ideas date open till 28 Feb