I am writing to express my concern against the actions that telecom carriers are taking to restrict fair access to the internet (Net Neutrality). I believe the internet is a vital resource – it helps me communicate, work, and thrive as a citizen. If telecom operators can discriminate internet traffic on the basis of which services pay the most, we are allowing telcos control over a vital and necessary technological resource. By doing so we allow them to define what information we can view; what entertainment we can access; and how companies can innovate.
This is completely unfair and harms India’s long term role in the global market. I strongly believe the growth of telecoms and the well-being of the internet can go hand-in-hand. I’m asking for a framework to ensure long term and fair access for all services regardless of size. I want my generation and those that come after me to have unfettered access to the Internet, with no telcos or ISPs having the ability to charge for specific services I use on top of it. Please understand that the internet is an important resource and vital to me and to every other Indian citizen. I would like to see it kept free and protected under Net Neutrality to ensure fair and equal access for all and forever.
Question 1: Is it too early to establish a regulatory framework for Internet/OTT services, since
internet penetration is still evolving, access speeds are generally low and there is limited coverage of
high-speed broadband in the country? Or, should some beginning be made now with a regulatory
framework that could be adapted to changes in the future? Please comment with justifications.
Answer 1: Yes, it is too early. We have very low internet penetration, thus it is not the correct time.
Question 2:Should the Internet/OTT players offering communication services (voice, messaging and
video call services through applications (resident either in the country or outside) be brought
under the licensing regime? Please comment with justifications.
Answer 2: No, these are offering services. And to bring them into the ambit is akin to punishing their unique offerings and restricting them to spread.
Question 3:Is the growth of Internet/OTT impacting the traditional revenue stream of Telecom
operators/Telecom operators? If so, is the increase in data revenues of the Telecom Operators
sufficient to compensate for this impact?
Answer 3: No. Yes.
Question 4:Should the Internet/OTT players pay for use of the Telecom Operators network over and
above data charges paid by consumers? If yes, what pricing options can be adopted? Could such
options include prices based on bandwidth consumption? Can prices be used as a means of
product/service differentiation? Please comment with justifications.
Answer 4: Absolutely no. Take analogy of channel being broadcasted using cable/dishes, would it be fair to ask channels to pay? Absolutely no.
In short. Kindly let it run how it is currently.