Trai seeks views on net neutrality

New Delhi: Trai on Wednesday came out with a consultation on controversial net-neutrality issue on which telecom operators and Internet-based firms are at loggerheads. “The purpose of this second stage of consultation is to proceed towards the formulation of final views on policy or regulatory interventions, where required, on the subject of net neutrality,” Trai said. Last date for public comments on the paper is February 15 and for counter comments is February 28.

The regulator has already conducted the first round of consultation to understand key issues that need to be looked at for framing rules around net neutrality. A DoT panel on net neutrality has proposed regulation of domestic calls on Internet-based apps like Skype, Whatsapp and Viber by putting them at par with services offered by telecom operators, a recommendation that came under immediate attack from industry bodies.

The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) Committee opposed platforms like Facebook’s Internet.Org that allow access to certain websites without mobile data charges, while suggesting that similar plans by Bharti Airtel be allowed with prior clearance from Trai. However, the committee suggested liberal approach to app-based international calls. The government has said that it will decide on framework for net neutrality after getting recommendations of Trai on the subject.