It is paramount that the Internet remains open and free. Innovation can only stem in an environment conducive to it. But, if telecom operators have their way they would chain the freedom on the Internet. We cannot have the idea of a "fastlane" and "slowlane". We cannot accept extra charges for applications which people use, this breaks down the entire concept of building better things (because telecom operators will ensure new applications never get the same availability promise), it is ludicrous and shameful for our government to play into the hands of such private companies that are mere profit seekers. ALL TRAFFIC ON THE INTERNET IS THE SAME. It is NOT the prerogative of ANYONE to determine what they will make fast at a price and what they will keep slow to extract more money from consumers and businesses.

You as a regulatory body need to make sure that the costs to spin up a new idea are the bare minimum, but allowing Internet companies to charge business and consumers extra depending on how fast their traffic is delivered is going to destroy new businesses.

In you consultation document, you belittle the importance of freedom of the Internet and freedom of speech. Airtel tried to implement their tiered structure to access Internet services and prices were as follows: The new rate left the user’s eyes wide open as it charged Rs. 1.8 – Rs. 3.98/ minute for audio calls, Rs. 22.50/ minute for video calls and a whooping Rs. 135/minute for HD video calls.

These companies don't want to level the playing field. We are already being charged an exorbitant amount for the poor speeds we have to deal with and rather than providing better services they want to throttle content. Rather than spending on infrastructure to improve Internet access, which will help increase Internet penetration, get ore subscribers and increase their profits organically, they choose this approach as it allows them to use the poor infrastructure they have setup to further extract funds from the consumers and companies. These telecom corporations are trying to piggyback their work onto us, you must NOT allow this.

We as a people need to have the opportunity to use the internet and create content, websites, applications as we deem fit and nobody should get to decide the way this can be accessed. The Internet is same for all over the world, the foundation stone of the Internet is freedom and you must ensure it remains untouched.

You as a regulatory body needs to not get strong armed by these private corporations, you need to come up with a regulatory framework so strong that none of these private companies EVER think of breaking the Internet for their own personal greed. Internet costs in India are high and speeds are low, here is an article, detailing how India has one of lowest Internet speeds in Asia Pacific, we are being offered sub-standard services and now the same companies which provide us poor services and support want to make their pockets larger, YOU MUST NOT ALLOW THAT.

To end with I must say, the United States of America was under severe criticism regarding the same, but, the FCC ruled that the Internet is not up for partitioning 

Not only do individuals support Net Neutrality, but even major companies do. The only people who do not are telecom operators, because they are motivated only by the incentive to increase their profit ratio.

Regards,

Abeer Sethi