The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has recently caught everyone’s attention. Representing major telecom operators like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Reliance Jio, COAI has sparked a debate around net neutrality. The telecommunications body is suggesting platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp pay a share of revenue to compensate for network costs related to heavy usage.
Unfolding Arguments and Recent Developments
Telecom operators in India and the European Union are urging content providers to pay for the substantial usage on their networks. However, these providers argue that imposing such a fee, even on a few large players, distorts the internet’s architecture. In 2016, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) supported net neutrality. By 2018, the Department of Telecommunications incorporated the net neutrality concept into the Unified License, which binds all telecom operators and internet providers.
An Overview of Net Neutrality
Net neutrality is a principle that demands all internet traffic be treated equally, with no discrimination or preference for any specific website, service, or application. It ensures equal internet access for everyone, irrespective of their financial resources or the size and influence of the websites they use. Without net neutrality, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) could potentially direct users towards particular websites and services, or limit access to others, using their market power.
Stakeholders in the Internet Space
Various entities constitute the internet space. These include consumers of any internet service, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) or ISPs, Over-the-top (OTT) service providers who provide internet access services such as websites and applications, and the government, which may regulate and define relationships between these players. TRAI also plays a significant role as an independent regulator in the telecom sector, primarily regulating TSPs and their licensing conditions.
Regulating Net Neutrality
Net neutrality in India is yet to be directly regulated by any law or policy framework. However, recent developments suggest a move towards formulating a net neutrality policy. TRAI is considering issues like Differential Pricing for Data Services and Regulatory Framework for Over-The-Top Services (OTT). Also, a committee established by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has been evaluating the issue of net neutrality. Globally, nations like the USA, Japan, Brazil, Chile, Norway, among others, have laws or regulatory frameworks affecting net neutrality.
The Consequences of a World Without Net Neutrality
If there’s no net neutrality, ISPs could shape internet traffic for additional benefits. This could empower them to charge companies like YouTube and Netflix for services that use more bandwidth than a standard website. It could potentially discourage web innovation as startups may find it difficult to compete with established players who can pay for faster access. This scenario could lead to a web dominated by a few powerful entities.
Without net neutrality, consumers could face “package plans” instead of free access. Users might have to pay more for accessing international websites compared to local ones. This situation would lead to a tiered internet system, where users who pay more get better access to content.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Query
A previous year question in the UPSC Civil Services Examination was based on the “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India. The question focused on the aims of the plan and asked examinees to select the correct answer. Answering such questions requires a comprehensive understanding of the digital landscape in India, including aspects like net neutrality.
