26 November 2017

What the US U-turn on net neutrality means to India


The US Federal Communications Commission has ruled to repeal net-neutrality guidelines, which had suggested equal rights to the internet for all, and prevented broadband providers from favouring their own apps and services. Commission chairman Ajit Pai, in a proposal, Restoring Internet Freedom, has said that the US government will "stop micromanaging the internet", from hereon.

What is net neutrality?

Net neutrality is a principle that says all data on the internet should be treated equally, that is, internet providers cannot artificially slow down or speed up a website or service, or put different price tags on different parts of the internet, to benefit one or more entities.

The world without net neutrality

Without net neutrality, American internet service providers will be allowed to demand fees from websites to treat different websites and services preferentially. This would make way for fast lanes and benefit larger and established companies, as they will be in a position to negotiate better deals with service providers

India and Net Neutrality

India is unlikely to be impacted by the US Federal Communications Commission's plan to repeal net neutrality regulations.

Last year, India had adopted a pro-net neutrality stand by taking a tough call against zero-rated plans such as Facebook's Free Basics and Airtel Zero.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) had showed great courage and conviction in battling any preferential treatment of internet websites, despite a massive campaign by Facebook.

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