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

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.

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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.

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