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The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has floated its latest consultation paper on the matter of Differential Tariff pricing covered under the subject of Net Neutrality.
Andn we get a feeling that their stance has definitely softened in favour of free data being offered to consumers. However, they want to make sure that the regulation doesn’t hamper its strong disapproval against models like Facebook’s Free Basics.
The consultation paper has further prescribed a set of questions that are expected to be answered by stakeholders by 16 June.
Just in case you don’t agree with TRAI’s opinion, counter arguments can be shared with TRAI by sending them an email at broadbandtrai@gmail.com before 30 June.
The regulatory body goes on to state that a toll-free model for data pricing is essential so that every user gets a fair chance to use the internet.
Also Read: Here’s What the TRAI Verdict on Net Neutrality Tells Us
So, basically, what TRAI wants to adopt is add another layer of regulation without depriving providers of the chance to offer free data. However, they also don’t want any company to act as the gatekeeper, which directly flouts the logic of having Net Neutrality in place.
It’s good to see that the body has taken a closer look at the growing m-commerce space in India, and by providing free data to users with a fair practice in place, the sector can grow exponentially in the future.
We kind of agree with what TRAI hopes to achieve, but their aspiration of ending up in a win-win situation might not bear fruit. Either way, we’ll wait to see if TRAI gets its way on 16 June with the stakeholders or not.
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