Internet firms on Tuesday lauded TRAI's recommendations on net neutrality[1], which calls for unhindered access to content and services over the Web, while telecom operators said that the regulator has applied a 'narrow definition' to the topic. They said TRAI[2] did not address the issues related to connecting the unconnected in India and licensing of apps or websites providing calls and messaging services such as WhatsApp[3], Skype[4], Viber[5], and Google Duo[6].
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Tuesday recommended barring telecom operators from imposing any restriction, like reducing net speed or blocking the access of any content or service available on the Internet, except in special cases like court orders and government directions.
"We had proposed broad approach on net neutrality[7] covering national priority of connecting the next 1 billion unconnected people in India and licensing for over-the-top players," telecom operators body COAI[8] Director General Rajan S Mathews told PTI.
All this should have been included in the TRAI proposals, he said, adding that the net neutrality framework in India should be in accordance with the needs of the nation.
TRAI has recommended a narrow definition of net neutrality, he said. "In narrow definition, we agree with it in-principle. We are still studying the recommendations and will update our views as we will note key points."
Mathews said the recommendations to set up a committee to decide on violation of rules is an unnecessary and bureaucratic move.
Industry body representing Internet firms IAMAI[9] lauded the recommendations, calling them progressive and pragmatic, which recognise the requirements of expansion of digital services in the country....