TRAI publishes comments received on its consultation paper on 'Regulatory Framework for OTT service'

New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has published the comments it has received on the issue of net neutrality in India.

The comments received by the authority on its consultation paper on "Regulatory Framework for OTT services" are large in number and thus, have been divided into three blocks- Comments from the Service Providers; Comments from the Service Providers' Association, and Comments from other Stakeholders (this includes individuals, organisations, consulting firms etc.)

TRAI notes that the links for the third block (from other stakeholders) have been sorted datewise for easy access and it is being updated as and when the comments of the stakeholders for the particular date have been compiled.

It has further asked stakeholders to send their counter comments to [email protected] by including 'counter comments' in the subject of the email.

The authority had asked for public comments till April 24 to arrive put forth its recommendations on Net Neutrality and internet-based calling and messaging applications in India. Over a million email submissions were sent out to the authority to keep Internet free.

While consumers have demanded for a free and equal Internet to all, telecom operators have been advocating regulation. Earlier this month, telecom major Bharti Airtel launched zero rating plan- 'Airtel Zero,' which provides consumers free access to mobile applications that join it by paying certain amount to Airtel. It was widely criticized for being a discriminatory move.

IT industry body Nasscom, which has called violation of net neutrality as violation of freedom of speech and expression, also submitted two separate response to the TRAI-- one on net neutrality and other on framework for Over-the-top players which are internet based messaging and calling applications like Viber, WhatsApp, Skype, GTalk etc.

As TRAI's final verdict is awaited by consumers and telecom operators alike, counter comments are welcome till May 8. If the recommendation is in favour of consumers, it could cap the possibilities of having a regulated Internet in the country that will have a direct impact on the pocket of end users.