With its verdict on Monday barring differential pricing of data services, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI ) has upheld best practices in line with what is best for long-term public discourse towards India’s broadband needs.
India has set an example for the rest of the world to preserve innovation and transparency on the internet. The verdict will go a long way in establishing network neutrality as a benchmark for future upgradation of networks, bandwidth services and introduction of new services. While some telecom service providers (TSPs) and content providers have argued that a differential pricing model helps them with bettering their response to customers, it is laudable that TRAI has taken a larger view of the situation.
It has, in fact, stated that differential pricing is “anti-competitive, nontransparent, discriminatory and against content innovation”.
A key takeaway from the verdict is a clear message to the likes of Facebook that discriminatory practices, such as the proposed Free Basics programme, are not welcome in India.
A correct decision has been taken. This is not only ideal for India, but also shows leadership in the digital domain for other developing nations to safeguard themselves against exploitative programmes in the garb of ‘internet for all’.
The war for achieving a truly digital India may have just begun. But the first struggle for net neutrality has just ended in favour of the Indian public. India needs to take its mission forward by demonstrating strategies through which internet adoption by the poor is not only encouraged but benefits them in meaningful ways.
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