The bubbling issue of Net Neutrality that flared up in the country after Airtel launched platform; Airtel Zero that will allow free access of websites on its network, shows no signs of cooling down. If anything, the situation has only worsened with corporates, individuals and the government pitching in to make a pretty big pot of hot mess.
Taking a middle of the road approach, the Department of Telecommunications appointed committee on net neutrality recommended that OTT apps like Skype, WhatsApp and Viber can continue to be used for making international calls or for messaging, but they will have to be licensed when they are used for making either local or national long-distance calls. While partial regulation of OTTs has been recommended by the DoT panel, it openly promotes against the principles of net neutrality when it comes to sponsored data plans.
The details of the report sent Congress instantly pointing its finger at Modi while the 'aam janta' looked lost. Meanwhile, CCI member MS Sahoo said, the Competition Commission is not looking into the issue of Net neutrality as sectoral regulator Trai hasn't finalised its view.
“We are not concerned about Net neutrality at this point of time as the sectoral regulator is yet to firm up its mind ... But we are keeping a watch on it and will act if it is found to be anti-competitive,” Sahoo said. The Competition Commission of India looks after anti- competitive practices of companies and various agencies.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has meanwhile started the consultation process on the issue of Net neutrality.
