Dear TRAI,

I am writing to express my deep concern against the actions that telecom carriers are taking to restrict fair access to the internet (net neutrality). 

I am already paying telcos higher monthly fees for the data that I consume in accessing the Internet as compared to my voice calls. And this revenue will only increase for the telcos as smartphone penetration increases. Why should they charge me and other citizens even more and arbitrarily, for the sites I access or the apps I use?

I believe the internet is a vital resource—it helps me communicate, work, create and deliver value 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. 

The internet is becoming an increasingly 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.

As the independent regulator, I look forward to your actions in ensuring that all citizens of India experience Net Neutrality.