COAI writes to DoT on net neutrality

DoT and telecom regulator TRAI framing their own reports on net neutrality

The Cellular Operators’ Association of India on Thursday said the department of telecommunications’ view that ‘zero rated’ platforms violated net neutrality, even before net neutrality was defined in India, could influence consultations on the issue.

“Such a remark could influence the open consultation process and the committee’s deliberations on the awaited policy,” COAI Director-General Rajan Mathews said in a letter to Rakesh Garg, secretary, DoT.

Net neutrality means all internet sites are treated equally without discrimination in speed and cost of access.

The DoT and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) are framing their own reports on net neutrality. The DoT report is expected by the end of the month, while Trai will come out with its suggestions after reviewing over one million comments on its consultation paper.

Garg in a recent interview to Business Standard said the launch of 'Airtel Zero' platform by leading telecom player Bharti Airtel and internet.org by Facebook in partnership with Reliance Communications was prima facie in violation of net neutrality principles as it was based on differential tariffs at the end of consumers.

The Secretary had said,"From the consumers end, there was different kind of choices - some paid for content and some were free. Net neutrality says as far as consumer end is concerned, he should be in a position where whatever comes to him should come at the same price. It should not be dependent on any plan. The way net neutrality is understood, it (the launch of platform by various telcos) violates the principles."

In the letter, COAI reiterated their demand of same service same rules and asked for a regulatory neutrality. For rolling out broadband networks and prioritizing the connectivity for all villages of India, innovations across the ecosystem would be required affordable smartphones, more efficient networks, a vibrant OTT ecosystem and pricing flexibility that promotes greater digital inclusion. COAI advocates connecting 1 billion unconnected people through - Sabka Internet Sabka Vikas, Mathews said.

Recently, telcos including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Idea Cellular had come together clarifying that they fully support net neutrality but demanded that there should be same rules for all players offering voice communication services. Application providers like WatsApp, Skype also offer voice services through an internet platform.

Bharti Airtel's launch of Airtel Zero platform on April 6 had triggered a debate on the issue of net neutrality across the country and many experts said the launch was against the principles of net neutrality.On the 'Airtel Zero' platform, companies, including startups, can offer apps for free. The app maker will pay for the customer's free usage to the operator and users don't have to pay any data charges.

The issue of net neutrality has caught the attention of a wider spectrum of audience from Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP to netizens on social media. Net neutrality means all internet sites to be treated equally without any discrimination in terms of speed and cost of access.