TRAI has so far been instrumental in making sure democratization of digital resources with initiatives like MNP and fair competition. This has led to one of the most affordable mobile call rates in the world and making sure mobile phone connectivity to one and all especially the most under privileged.

The internet is a natural resource not unlike the air we breathe or the water we drink, unhindered access to specific sites has led to a boom in e-commerce, social and technical forums which are vital for small businesses to thrive.

Artificially creating special lanes by and for the privileged internet providers would give them an unfair advantage and might lead to the formation of syndicates, where well established players would decide who the next 'Google' or 'Flipkart' would be severely crippling innovation and hence talent would be rewarded based not on who made the best product but who has better access to the internet providers. 

The number of internet users in India is growing by the day, more and more users in the rural areas are able to access internet services, any attempt to break net neutrality would severely hamper faster adoption of internet among these users and severely restrict their digital literacy, denying them of a service which could transform their lives.

Countries like US and Netherlands have recently brought in Net Neutrality laws and classified the internet as a public utility in order to regulate it properly for the benefit of all their citizens. 

I would therefore urge you not to allow Internet providers unfair and unnecessary advantage and protect net neutrality.

Yours Sincerely 

Rahul Gayam

PhD Electronic Science

CASEST

University of Hyderabad