Dear TRAI,

India is proud of being one of the biggest and most influential democracies in the world, and there have been times in our history where we have been pioneers of liberty and equality. One of the most tangible resources that represent this liberty and equality in recent times is the Internet.

It doesn't take us long to look back into the past and see how important the internet has been in terms of development and growth. Connecting people has been easier, businesses have flourished, all in this environment provided by the internet as it should be.

This is only possible if every piece of data that is transmitted over the internet is treated as the same, irrespective of origin or destination. This is the core tenet of Net Neutrality, and following extensive discussions internationally, has been ruled as an essential feature by the FCC in the USA. While there are voices that claim that the internet needs of the USA and India are different, Net Neutrality is a concept that is a necessity for a free, open and equal internet around the globe.

It should be noted that it is not the customers, but the Telecom customers who are collectively calling for the preference of certain forms of data that is being transmitted through the internet. This is entirely against the needs and expectations of the customers, and will surely hold back progress - not just in the IT and ITES fields, but will trickle down to other industries over time as well. Estimated losses for Telecos should never be used as an excuse for passing legislation that holds back progress in order for the citizens of this country and their expectations.

It should be noted that the USA is not the only country which calls out the importance of Net Neutrality globally. Following public outcry regarding the state of the internet, Netherlands has also recently enacted laws to ensure that the internet stays free and open. Today, it is important to understand the rationale that a free, equal and open internet is the only way to streamline businesses and ensure competitiveness in the global communication and business environments.

Allowing ISPs and TSPs to discriminate data and charging differently will result in stalling of development that the country so desperately needs. Communications should not be regulated and controlled by ISPs, but should be left open and up to the choice of the individual customers. Thus, it is the duty of the government to ensure that such a level playing field is maintained, and is certainly an expectation of the citizens of the country from the government.

We hope to see the foundational aspect of Net Neutrality upheld by the TRAI, so that we can continue to enjoy the many varied benefits that an open internet and free communications via the same brings to us.