Subject: We want Net Neutrality without any bias - My opinion for your 20 questions
From: Bhanu Prakash
Date: 09-Apr-15 3:46 PM
To: advqos@trai.gov.in

Hi,

I'm a common man, working in the software industry developing open source software solutions for community based programs, where i believe Internet is the backbone for well being of society. 

Below are my opinions for your questions.  

  1. Is it too early to establish a regulatory framework for 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? ANS: It is too early, and OTT is a disadvantage in a country like ours with such huge population, and we wants everyone on the network, then promotion is required. 
  2. Should the 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? ANS: No, 
  3. Is the growth of OTT impacting the traditional revenue stream of telecom service providers (TSPs)? If so, is the increase in data revenues of the TSPs sufficient to compensate for this impact? ANS: I don't think anybodys revenue is impacting, everybody is making enough money. And the increased use in data itself is a huge revenue for the companies.
  4. Should the OTT players pay for use of the TSPs 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 product/service differentiation?ANS: Why should a consumer pay for more than the bandwidth he is using, as the apps are also charging for services, TSPs should have no right to charge me in between.
  5. Do you agree that imbalances exist in the regulatory environment in the operation of OTT players? If so, what should be the framework to address these issues? How can the prevailing laws and regulations be applied to OTT players (who operate in the virtual world) and compliance enforced? What could be the impact on the economy? ANS: Simply TSPs should charge to compensate for the insfrastructure they have built. And Apps are anyways charging the consumer based on differential services. A framework should only be for monitoring of these virtual entities and not overpricing the consumer. 
  6. How should the security concerns be addressed with regard to OTT players providing communication services? What security conditions such as maintaining data records, logs etc. need to be mandated for such OTT players? And, how can compliance with these conditions be ensured if the applications of such OTT players reside outside the country?ANS: It is the choice of the consumer to read, understand the conditions of a particular service, and he should be allowed to make his choice with the data he is sharing on such platforms.
  7. How should the OTT players offering app services ensure security, safety and privacy of the consumer? How should they ensure protection of consumer interest? ANS: By just disclosing their policies fairly and frankly.
  8. In what manner can the proposals for a regulatory framework for OTTs in India draw from those of European Telecommunications Network Operators (ETNO)? What practices should be proscribed by regulatory fiat? ANS: A committe should be set up to research our case specifically than depending on European or American cultures. We havent still reached that level of consumer engagement.
  9. What are your views on net-neutrality in the Indian context?ANS: We in India want net neutrality, The corporates wants to bias services only to Rich people who can afford. But that is against The Prime Minister's vision of having a technological future for this country's people.
  10. What forms of discrimination or traffic management practices are reasonable and consistent with a pragmatic approach? What should or can be permitted? ANS: Technically expert people should be a part of this community, from both public, private and civil societies to discuss pros and cons
  11. Should the TSPs be mandated to publish various traffic management techniques used for different OTT applications? Is this a sufficient condition to ensure transparency and a fair regulatory regime?Ans: if they are charging me, they can do that. But i dont want to pay to see this. i dont care what traffic management techniques should be used. its their problem. 
  12. How should a conducive and balanced environment be created such that TSPs are able to invest in network infrastructure and Content and Application Providers (CAPs) are able to innovate and grow? Who should bear the network upgradation costs? ANS: TSPs should bear the network upgradation and all infrastructure related problems, investors should be given oppo rtunity to raise such finances. They are public companies and can manage to do this. But apps are not same, a individual or a bunch of people invent and innovate so its helpful to large number of people. 
  13. Should TSPs be allowed to implement non-price based discrimination of services? If so, under what circumstances are such practices acceptable? What restrictions, if any, need to be placed so that such measures are not abused? What measures should be adopted to ensure transparency to consumers? ANS: A non-price based can be Yes, but i dont see any need for such a facility until their propoganda is for spying on me, and that is invasion of my privacy. One should not be allowed to dig into my data until any law enforcement reasons require it.
  14. Is there a justification for allowing differential pricing for data access and OTT communication services? If so, what changes need to be brought about in the present tariff and regulatory framework for telecommunication services in the country? ANS: I dont see any justification, as such i feel for the money i'm paying i get very BAD speed, and i'm already not satisfied with the Services of the TSPs. Why should i pay more?when they still have not uniform coverage over the entire area of our country. 
  15. Should OTT communication service players be treated as Bulk User of Telecom Services (BuTS)? How should the framework be structured to prevent any discrimination and protect stakeholder interest?ANS: Internet was built for this, to provide services on a built infrastructure, TSPs have more consumers online, they should just be seling the bandwidth, that protects the interest of their stake holders.
  16. What framework should be adopted to encourage India-specific OTT apps? ANS: Licencesing
  17. If the OTT communication service players are to be licensed, should they be categorised as Application Service Providers (ASP) or Communications Service Providers (CSP)? If so, what should be the framework? ANS: they should be ASP, and TSPs should be infrastructure providers, similar to road builders charging for Tolls. i pay to use the road, but i can also stop in between that should not charge me more money. 
  18. Is there a need to regulate subscription charges for OTT communication services?ANS: No, coz TSPs are not dealing with maintenance and other expenditures of such services.
  19. What steps should be taken by the Government for regulation of non-communication OTT players? ANS: I dont see need for regulation
  20. Are there any other issues that have a bearing on the subject discussed?ANS: With a emerging market in mobile phones and more telecom connections than expected, it is the duty of the Government to enhance this condition in our country, so has to include the entire population in the Internet community. and as a responsible citizen i cannot see the corporate companies willing to close down this opportunity, to not allow people to make free choices. 
    Internet is the result of innovation of Creative people, the companies are just spending money to build infrastructure, and they should not be allowed for more than that. 
#IndiaWantsNetNeutrality i don't want my children to blame me because i can only afford to buy a yahoo search service while his friends can use Google service.
I don't want my wife to thrash me coz i cant afford to get her favourite facebook subscription, only because some corporate companies wants to sell their free social network.
i want to be able to have the power to make my own choices, in favor of my living condition without prejudices built from corporate entities without a face. At last i do not want to face bias from these companies based on my spending power, instead the Bias should be based on my choosing power. 

i wish and hope have made my point, eagerly waiting for the expected outcome. Anything less is disheartening.

With regards,
Bhanu Prakash GS