Dear Sir/Madam,
Like so many citizens of India, I'm writing to express my deep concern against the actions telecom carriers are planning to restrict Net Neutrality. This is a step backwards rather than forwards - the internet is a vital resource. ISP's and governments should treat all data on the Internet equally, not discriminating or charging differentially by user, content, site, platform, application, type of attached equipment, or mode of communication: only then is it fair and free.
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.
A similar move was considered in the Netherlands, before justice and common sense prevailed and they were also granted Net Neutrality. I expect nothing less than the same good sense from the Indian Government, which should not support a move that will send us all spiraling into the dark ages.
The Internet has quite literally connected the global community and broken down barriers. It is the single greatest technology of our time. The transparency it has brought in has had its negatives, but the good vastly outweighs the bad. Companies like Facebook now strive to bring Internet connectivity to less-developed parts of the globe as well - the initiative ultimately seeks to use solar-powered UAVs to beam internet down to the two thirds of the global population who aren't yet connected. When the rest of the world is eagerly ushering in this advancement, why must we dig our heads in the soil and resist it? I urge you to spare a thought about this!
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 the modern citizen of India. I would like to see it protected under Net Neutrality to ensure fair and equal access for myself and all.
Thank you for your time,
Parvati
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Repaint reality, which is playing dumb, with primary colors
I’ll draw you close to me, so, please
From there on, let’s continue to dance
Our very own waltz...