Government's final net neutrality view still awaited: Prasad

The recent report submitted by the government on net neutrality was not the final one, and the final view is still awaited, parliament was informed on Wednesday.

"The committee of officers constituted by the Department of Telecommunications on net neutrality has submitted its report. However, it is not the final report nor the government has taken any final view," Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

The report, submitted by the panel headed by technocrat A.K. Bhargava, was made public on July 16, and said it favoured an end to the free call regime over the internet.

"The government is committed to the fundamental principles and concept of net neutrality and strives for non-discriminatory access to the internet for all citizens of the country," the minister added.

Prasad also mentioned that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was engaged in a consultation process covering issues related to net neutrality, whose recommendations were awaited.

"Based on the committee report, comments and suggestions received and recommendations of TRAI, the government will take a considered decision on various aspects of net neutrality, in the best interest of the country," Prasad added.