Net neutrality: Pre-consultation starts this week, says Trai chief RS Sharma

Bharti Airtel has sought views on whether it could provide an exclusive video service using intranet, without flouting the differential pricing norms.

Net Neutrality, Net Neutrality in India, TRAI Net neutrality paper, TRAI Net neutrality decision on OTT, Facebook Free Basics, Net Net Neutrality law, TRAI Net neutrality consultation paper, technology, technology news

TRAI will start a pre-consultation on Net Neutrality in India in the next 2-3 days.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s chairman RS Sharma on Wednesday said that the agency would begin pre-consultation process on issues pertaining to net neutrality this week.

Sharma was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Trai open-house discussion on broadcast services.

Generally, any recommendations made or decisions taken by the Trai begin with a consultation process wherein it invites comments from all stakeholders. This is followed by an open-house discussion, after which the regulator takes its stand.

[related-post]

Story continues below this ad

Bharti Airtel, India’s largest telecom company, had recently sought views from Trai on whether it could provide an exclusive video service to its customers using intranet, without flouting the differential pricing norms.

According to a letter sent to Trai, Airtel was approached by a global content provider who wishes to offer video content on exclusive basis over the closed electronic communications network of the telecom operator in compliance with existing rules.

When asked about Airtel’s proposal, Sharma said that no decision has been taken yet on it, and the regulator would only take a call once for the company has filed its tariff.

On the Supreme Court order setting aside the Trai regulation on call drops, Sharma said that discussions were on at Trai to decide the next course of action.

Story continues below this ad

Also read: TRAI’s differential pricing verdict, and what it means for Net Neutrality

Loading Taboola...

EXCLUSIVE: EC brings in feature to check misuse of identity to seek voter list deletions

Political Pulse3 hr ago

The Election Commission has launched a new 'e-sign' feature on its portal and app to prevent fraud. This comes after allegations of misuse of online voter deletion forms in Karnataka. The feature requires voters to verify their identity using their Aadhaar-linked phone numbers, reducing the possibility of fraud.

View all shorts

Live Blog