Subject: Net Neutrality

From: BHUVAN AGRAWAL cs14b060

Date: 06-Apr-15 10:50 PM

To: advqos@trai.gov.in

CC: netneutralityindia@gmail.com

Note that: 

TSP = Telecom service provider = Telecom operators

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.

There is no need to regulate Internet services. No one has the RIGHT to regulate these services in a democracy like India. This is against free speech.

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.

We consumers are already paying for the data used in these voice, messaging and video call services. I don't see any logic behind 'licensing' these services just because they have a conflict of interest with TSPs.

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? Please comment with reasons.

Growth of internet IS impacting the 'traditional' revenue stream of telecom operators. But at the same time, it more than compensates for that loss since people these days are buying data packs more often and this has been a major source of income for TSPs these days. These statistics can be seen in the TRAI report. 

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.

No, this preferential treatment is NOT AT ALL acceptable in this country. This does not allow new players or start ups to make a presence in the market.

Question 9: What are your views on net-neutrality in the Indian context? How should the various principles be dealt with? Please comment with justifications.

I think that net-neutrality in India is endangered. Companies like Airtel have already started rolling out services that blatantly violate the basic pillars of net neutrality. There should be a strict legislation (like in the EU) that completely forbids TSPs to hamper net neutrality in India.

Question 10: What forms of discrimination or traffic management practices are reasonable and consistent with a pragmatic approach? What should or can be permitted? Please comment with justifications.

What kind of a question is this? How can this be released in the public for the whole world to see? How can ANY form of discrimination be REASONABLE and permitted? NO form of discrimination or traffic management practices are reasonable.