Subject: Regarding regulations of OTT (over-the-top) services and net-neutrality
From: Vijayakumar Subburaj
Date: 30-Mar-15 8:54 AM
To: advqos@trai.gov.in

Dear TRAI,

References:

  1. The Hindu ( http://m.thehindu.com/business/Industry/trai-seeks-views-to-regulate-netbased-calling-messaging-apps/article7039815.ece/)

  2. Mediannama.com (http://www.medianama.com/2015/03/223-should-india-have-licensing-of-internet-services-net-neutrality-trai-wants-your-views/)

I am writing to express my concern against the actions telecom carriers are taking to restrict fair access to the internet (i.e. Net Neutrality). As a thriving and growing nation, the internet is a vital resource - it helps me communicate, work, and thrive as a citizen. If telecom operators are allowed to discriminate the flow of internet traffic solely on the basis of which services pay the most, we are allowing telecoms control over a vital and necessary technological resource. We allow them to define what information we can view; what entertainment we can access; and what companies can innovate. This is completely unfair and harms India's long term role as major player in the global market.

I understand the concern that regulation may deter telecoms from expanding access and speeds, but I strongly believe the growth of telecoms and the well-being of the internet can go hand-in-hand. I'm not asking for regulation so strong as to stifle progress, but only a framework to ensure long term and fair access for all services regardless of size.

Please understand that the internet is an important resource and vital to me. I would like to see it protected under Net Neutrality to ensure fair and equal access for myself and all.

Regards.

--
Vijay