New Delhi: Telecom regulator’s decision to ban ban differential pricing of data evoked mixed reaction from the industry, with telecom companies and Facebook expressing disappointment, and internet associations and startups welcoming it.
“Our goal with Free Basics is to bring more people online with an open, non-exclusive and free platform. While disappointed with the outcome, we will continue our efforts to eliminate barriers and give the unconnected an easier path to the Internet and the opportunities it brings,” Facebook spokesperson said in a statement.
GSM telecom operators association, COAI, said that the telecom industry is disappointed with Trai’s decision to rule out differential pricing.
“COAI had approached the regulator with the reasons to allow price differentiation as the move would have taken us closer to connecting the one billion unconnected citizens of India. By opting to turn away from this opportunity, Trai has ignored all the benefits of price differentiation,” said Rajan Mathews, director-general, COAI.
However, Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) termed Trai’s regulation as a bold and fair move. “This move will ensure that the basic tenets of Net Neutrality are followed in India,” said IAMAI.
IT industry body Nasscom also lauded Trai’s regulation. “Our submission highlighted the importance of net neutrality principles, non-discriminatory access and transparent business models aligned to the goal of enhancing internet penetration in the country. Our submission highlighted the importance of net neutrality principles, non-discriminatory access and transparent business models aligned to the goal of enhancing internet penetration in the country,” Nasscom president R. Chandrashekhar said.
SaveTheInternet.in, which had carried a campaign for net neutrality said that if telecom operators challenged the regulations in the court it “would delay the process of India taking a final decision on net neutrality and would be harmful for consumers.”
“Trai’s notification is in support of the government’s focus on start-up as well as penetration of internet, without compromising on access to content,” said Amresh Nandan, Research Director, Gartner.
