In the telecommunication sector of India, a recent event has stirred up some conversation. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed that a multi-stakeholder body (MSB) be created to ensure the enforcement of net neutrality by Internet access providers. TRAI’s suggestion includes setting this MSB as a non-profit entity.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Multi-Stakeholder Body
The MSB, according to TRAI’s recommendation, would serve several purposes. One of its primary roles would be to provide advice and support to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for monitoring and implementing net neutrality principles. Furthermore, the MSB would be responsible for investigating any complaints related to violation of net neutrality. Aiding DoT in maintaining a repository of reasonable traffic management practices is also part of the MSB’s proposed responsibilities.
Stakeholders in the Proposed MSB
The stakeholders of this suggested MSB could include a wide range of individuals and organizations. Apart from telecom and Internet service providers, content providers, researchers and technical community, it may also include civil society organizations and the government.
Implementation of Net Neutrality in India
Net neutrality in India seems to be getting the green light, with the DoT accepting TRAI’s recommendations. This acceptance symbolizes barring telcos from discriminatory treatment on the web based on content, sender, receiver, protocols, or equipment. Serious measures such as penalties are proposed for those who violate license rules on net neutrality. Special exceptions would include critical services like remote healthcare diagnostics and self-driving cars. Content delivery networks, which do not use public Internet, would be exempted from open web rules. Interestingly, these principles would apply to upcoming technologies like 5G, as these rules are technology-neutral.
What is Net Neutrality?
Net neutrality is a principle stating that internet service providers (ISP), or Internet access providers (IAP), should provide equal access to all content and applications, irrespective of the source. This implies no favoring or blocking of particular products or websites. Once customers pay an ISP for a data plan, they should have unhindered access to all online content, be it news, social media, video content, games, etc., at the broadband speed they’ve opted for.
Arguments Supporting Net Neutrality
There are varied arguments in the favor of net neutrality. One point of view is that it democratizes the internet space; telecom providers cannot charge differently for accessing different websites. This way, everyone can participate in the internet without any discrimination. Also, ISPs are prevented from acting as “gatekeepers” and controlling or blocking data without a court order. Net neutrality also ensures a fair competition amongst IT companies, not allowing only a handful of them to control the internet. It upholds the principle of freedom of speech by ensuring equal access to all people and websites, irrespective of their ability to pay.
Arguments Against Net Neutrality
Opposing views on net neutrality exist as well. Critics argue that it might suppress innovation on the internet since consumer choices and corresponding content creation would be restricted. Also, ISPs might be discouraged from investing in broadband services due to potential lack of returns. Further, critics say, net neutrality could hinder competition among content providers as every data packet would be treated similarly, not allowing some to advance by paying telecom providers for better rates.
