As an internet user, I'm worried about the language of the consultation paper brought out by the TRAI. At a time, when our Prime Minister is talking about people's empowerment by Digital India, this paper comes as a bolt from the blue. TRAI seems more concerned about the profit of TSPs rather than the interests of common internet users, whom it's mandated to protect. Rather than regulating the TSPs, it seems to regulate the consumers' usage of internet & telephony.

One thing which defies logic is when a subscriber is already paying for a data plan, why should he be forced to pay for VoIP calls! It's not in doubt that the advent of OTTs has had some impact on the profits of TSPs for a short while. However, as proved by many studies, they aren't gonna be affected by the OTTs in the long run. On the contrary, they are earning more revenue from internet services & other VAS, than traditional voice calling & sms.

Moreover, this trend isn't India specific. It's happening across the globe. Instead of bowing to the pressure from irresponsible telcos, the govt should take a cue from other countries, which are trying to maintain Net Neutrality, & should make regulations in this regard keeping in mind the priority of Indian internet domain, which of course is increasing the user base.

As far as profits of telcos are concerned, around 70% of indian mobile users are yet to shift to smartphones & related OTTs. This humongous migration of users towards an internet based regime will automatically result in increased profits for telcos in medium to long term.

Govt should rather incentivise the use of OTTs & related services & utilise them for delivering public services at people's doorstep. Public interest must take precedence over corporate interest!

Thanks & regards
Jaff.