Decoding the 'Free Basics' vs 'Net Neutrality' debate in India
9 years, 3 months ago

Decoding the 'Free Basics' vs 'Net Neutrality' debate in India

India TV News  

The public debate on net neutrality in India just entered a new phase with Facebook's ‘Free Basics' campaign. Free Basics connectivity allows users selective access to services like communication, healthcare, education, job listings and farming information -- all without data charges. However, the current model of Facebook for Free Basics gives users a predetermined selection, contrary to its own idea of giving the poor free access to the diverse web. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, the independent telecom regulator which regulates all Internet access in India is seeking public opinion on introducing Free Basics.

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History of this topic

Starlink India launch: Why satellite internet rollout is getting delayed in the country
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Starlink India launch: Why satellite internet rollout is getting delayed in the country

India TV News  

The launch of Starlink satellite internet service in India is highly anticipated. The Indian government has taken steps to facilitate this by announcing plans to administratively allocate satellite spectrum, thereby removing a significant obstacle to the launch of satellite internet services. One of the primary reasons for the delay in the satellite internet launch is the pending allocation rules from …

Measuring internet freedom in India in the last 10 years
1 year ago

Measuring internet freedom in India in the last 10 years

The Hindu  

In the Freedom Journal series, we look at how freedoms in the political, economic, digital and media landscape have evolved in the last decade. The Supreme Court of India, in the landmark Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India case, reiterated that internet shutdowns violate fundamental rights to freedom of expression, and that shutdowns which last indefinitely are unconstitutional. This, however, …

Regulating OTT platforms reignites India’s net neutrality debate
1 year, 6 months ago

Regulating OTT platforms reignites India’s net neutrality debate

The Hindu  

In recent weeks, the telecom industry loudly demanded a ‘network usage fee’ from Big Tech platforms whose traffic constitutes a major part of the data flowing through the Indian internet. TRAI ended up spinning Net Neutrality off into a separate consultation, asking the public if ‘differential pricing’ of data should be allowed. TRAI seeks consultation on contours of net neutrality …

Net neutrality explained: Why Telcos' demand for OTT compensation worries startups?
1 year, 6 months ago

Net neutrality explained: Why Telcos' demand for OTT compensation worries startups?

Hindustan Times  

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, has extended his support for net neutrality amid discussions about telecom operators pitching for charging extra fees to over-the-top content players. Telcos say OTT services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video consume a significant bandwidth, they should compensate them for undertaking vast expenses to develop massive telecom infrastructure networks. Against …

Upholding principles of network neutrality
1 year, 6 months ago

Upholding principles of network neutrality

Hindustan Times  

Five years ago, India enshrined the principle of “Network Neutrality” in groundbreaking government rules. However, private telcos and other internet providers are now suggesting that these apps should pay a “fair share” for accessing their infrastructure, challenging the core tenet of net neutrality. Net neutrality ensures that internet infrastructure companies can’t monopolise consumer access. They know consumer welfare is intertwined …

Stressing India’s Unique Telecom Mkt, COAI Calls for Govt to Take Lead in Regulating OTTs for Industry Growth
1 year, 6 months ago

Stressing India’s Unique Telecom Mkt, COAI Calls for Govt to Take Lead in Regulating OTTs for Industry Growth

News 18  

The Cellular Operators Association of India has called upon the government to take the lead in creating regulations for Over-the-Top players rather than adhering to global benchmarks, stressing the uniqueness of India’s telecom market conditions. As per the association, there is a disparity between the telecom service providers and OTT players, particularly Large Traffic Generator OTTs. While TSPs invest in …

The return of the Net neutrality debate in India
2 years ago

The return of the Net neutrality debate in India

The Hindu  

Since November 2022, the Cellular Operators Association of India, which represents Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Reliance Jio, the three major telecom operators in India, has been demanding that platforms such as YouTube and WhatsApp pay a share of revenue to make up for the network costs. “However, the revenues earned by the infra provider should also be shared with …

India’s internet policy mustn’t develop Chinese characteristics
2 years, 6 months ago

India’s internet policy mustn’t develop Chinese characteristics

Live Mint  

One of the laws under which India governs its telecom industry dates back to 1885—when Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone was not even a decade old. If the colonial-era Indian Telegraph Act is hopelessly anachronistic, its proposed replacement may also be problematic: The telecom bill wants to retain sweeping powers of state surveillance and apply them even to …

India looking to regulate WhatsApp, Telegram, and other internet calling and messaging apps
2 years, 7 months ago

India looking to regulate WhatsApp, Telegram, and other internet calling and messaging apps

India Today  

The Department of Telecom has reached out to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India for its opinion on developing a framework to regulate internet calling and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and others. The Department has now sought a comprehensive reference from TRAI for internet telephony and over-the-top players.” Meanwhile, the telecom companies are also requesting the government to …

Facebook-Jio deal a positive; concerns around flouting of net neutrality, data safety norms unfounded: Industry forum
4 years, 11 months ago

Facebook-Jio deal a positive; concerns around flouting of net neutrality, data safety norms unfounded: Industry forum

Firstpost  

Facebook’s decision to invest $5.7 billion in Jio Platforms is a big positive for India’s digital services sector, and any apprehension that net neutrality or data protection norms may be flouted or consumer interest harmed, is “erroneous and far-fetched”, industry body BIF said on Monday New Delhi: Facebook’s decision to invest $5.7 billion in Jio Platforms is a big positive …

TRAI issues consultation paper on net neutrality
5 years, 2 months ago

TRAI issues consultation paper on net neutrality

The Hindu  

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Thursday issued a consultation paper on issues related to traffic management practices and the multi-stakeholder body for ‘net neutrality’. To monitor and enforce net neutrality in an objective and transparent manner, it might be required to list out the reasonable TMPs and conditions when these may be applied. The framework may also be …

Internet monopolies: India’s trust deficit
5 years, 8 months ago

Internet monopolies: India’s trust deficit

Live Mint  

Bengaluru: In June, the Competition Commission of India announced that it was conducting a market study on e-commerce in India. View Full Image The offices of Ola in India The new ballgame However, experts said Indian competition law needs to be upgraded to even recognize the nature of challenges posed by internet platforms. “Unless there are new guidelines and a …

India Is Cracking Down on Ecommerce and Free Speech
55 years, 3 months ago

India Is Cracking Down on Ecommerce and Free Speech

Wired  

When it comes to cracking down on tech giants, India is on a roll. Since December, Indian policymakers have taken a page from China’s playbook, enacting sweeping restrictions in an attempt to curtail the power of ecommerce behemoths like Amazon, and pushing proposals that would require internet companies to censor “unlawful” content, break user encryption, and forbid Indian data from …

India’s Plan to Curb Hate Speech Could Mean More Censorship
6 years, 2 months ago

India’s Plan to Curb Hate Speech Could Mean More Censorship

Wired  

New rules proposed by the Indian government to rein in tech giants and combat fake news could have a profoundly chilling effect on free speech and privacy online. Under the new rules, platforms would be required to deploy automated tools to ensure that information or content deemed “unlawful” by government standards never appears online. The unlawful definition likely would encompass …

A welcome move: On India's net neutrality regulations
6 years, 8 months ago

A welcome move: On India's net neutrality regulations

The Hindu  

In a vital decision that will help secure the rights of Internet users in the country, the Telecom Commission has approved the recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on net neutrality. Combining this approval with the fact that TRAI had barred telecom service providers from charging differential rates for data services, India will now have among the strongest …

Net neutrality rules are evidence of India’s progressiveness
6 years, 8 months ago

Net neutrality rules are evidence of India’s progressiveness

Hindustan Times  

Even as the US was busy dismantling one of the pillars of a free Internet, India was busy building one. And so, on Wednesday, India announced it had approved net neutrality rules which many experts have termed among the strongest in the world, if not the strongest. Demonstrators rally in support of net neutrality in New York, December 7, 2017 …

Net neutrality gets govt's nod, internet to remain open in India
6 years, 8 months ago

Net neutrality gets govt's nod, internet to remain open in India

India TV News  

Internet access in India will remain unfettered with the government approving net neutrality rules which bar service providers from discriminating against Internet content and services by blocking, throttling or granting them higher speed access. The new telecom policy aimed at attracting an investment of $100 billion in the digital communications sector is likely to be in place by July 2018, …

Internet remains free and fair in India as neutrality gets the nod
6 years, 8 months ago

Internet remains free and fair in India as neutrality gets the nod

Live Mint  

New Delhi: Internet access in India will remain unfettered with the government accepting the telecom regulator’s recommendations to introduce one of the strongest net neutrality protections in the world. Net neutrality requires service providers to treat all internet traffic equally and prohibits discrimination in the treatment of content, including practices such as degrading, slowing down or granting preferential speeds. Licence …

Telecom Commission approves net neutrality, new telecom policy
6 years, 8 months ago

Telecom Commission approves net neutrality, new telecom policy

The Hindu  

In a move that will ensure open and free Internet in India, the government has approved the principle of Net neutrality. The Telecom Commission, the highest decision-making body in the Department of Telecom, on Wednesday approved the recommendation made eight months ago by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on the subject. “The TC today approved Net neutrality as recommended …

Data services may soon be allowed on domestic flights
6 years, 11 months ago

Data services may soon be allowed on domestic flights

Hindustan Times  

Flyers will soon be able to avail data services during flights with the Telecom Commission, the highest decision-making body at the department of telecommunications, set to approve the much-awaited proposal at its next meeting scheduled on May 1, a person aware of the matter said, requesting anonymity. Moreover, the pricing would be left to airlines, the person said, adding that …

Trai weighs regulations for online video streaming platforms like Netflix, Hotstar
7 years, 2 months ago

Trai weighs regulations for online video streaming platforms like Netflix, Hotstar

Live Mint  

New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is evaluating a consultation process to regulate online video streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hotstar, two people familiar with the development said. The regulator has received multiple requests from industry stakeholders to develop a framework for the video streaming platforms and may add a separate section on such platforms in …

Securing net neutrality
7 years, 3 months ago

Securing net neutrality

The Hindu  

In less than a year, the Donald Trump presidency in the U.S. has administered quite a few body blows to many a signature achievement of his predecessor Barack Obama — for instance, the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate pact. Another addition to this list must be the decision by the government agency, the Federal Communications Commission, to remove …

Net neutrality: TRAI view guided by pragmatism, says chief R.S. Sharma
7 years, 3 months ago

Net neutrality: TRAI view guided by pragmatism, says chief R.S. Sharma

The Hindu  

The recommendations supporting net neutrality are important in the India context as the Internet will play an ‘extremely’ important role for delivery of various services, including those offered by the government as well as for financial inclusion, the Chairman of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, R.S. I recently meet Ajit Pai and we discussed multiple issues, including net neutrality and …

Ravi Shankar Prasad says he ‘denied permission’ to Facebook’s Free Basics
7 years, 3 months ago

Ravi Shankar Prasad says he ‘denied permission’ to Facebook’s Free Basics

Live Mint  

New Delhi: Law and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday said he had denied permission to Facebook’s Free Basics platform when he was handling portfolio of the communications ministry. Prasad said it is for the US to decide their stand on net neutrality but added, “Our stand from day one is very clear-right of non-discriminatory access to internet is …

Net Neutrality: As US deals body blow to internet freedom, here’s how things stand in India
7 years, 3 months ago

Net Neutrality: As US deals body blow to internet freedom, here’s how things stand in India

India TV News  

The idea of an independent internet that provides fair and equal access to anyone has just been dealt its most severe blow. Passed in 2015 under the Obama administration, net neutrality rules prevented internet service providers from slowing down, blocking or speeding up connections to certain websites that would pay these carriers. Schemes like ‘Airtel Zero’ and more importantly, Facebook’s …

Net Neutrality crossroads: Here's why India’s policy process has important lessons for the US
7 years, 4 months ago

Net Neutrality crossroads: Here's why India’s policy process has important lessons for the US

Firstpost  

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed the key principles on non-discriminatory treatment as applicable to Internet Access Services. Revoking net neutrality guarantees and giving telecom service providers / internet service providers the power to control data streams is bound to lead to further distortions in the already wide disparities characterising the access experience. In the explanatory memorandum to …

TRAI recommends rules for net neutrality, telcos say narrow view
7 years, 4 months ago

TRAI recommends rules for net neutrality, telcos say narrow view

India TV News  

Telecom regulator TRAI today recommended measures for non-discriminatory access to all content and services available on Internet with some exceptions as required under government rule, court order and the like. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, in its recommendation on net neutrality issued today, has cautioned that discriminatory treatment would include any form of restriction or interference including practices like …

TRAI backs net neutrality, wants ISPs barred from discriminatory treatment of content
7 years, 4 months ago

TRAI backs net neutrality, wants ISPs barred from discriminatory treatment of content

India TV News  

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has come out in strong favour of net neutrality, mooting amplification of licensing terms for Internet Service Providers, barring them from any sort of discrimination in Internet access “based on the content being accessed, the protocols being used or the user equipment being deployed”. “The service providers should be restricted from entering into any …

Telecom regulator TRAI backs Net neutrality
7 years, 4 months ago

Telecom regulator TRAI backs Net neutrality

The Hindu  

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Tuesday came out in strong support of Net neutrality in a series of recommendations following a long process of consultations on the issue. Warning against any “discriminatory treatment” including blocking, degrading, slowing down or granting preferential speeds to any content, TRAI stated, “The scope of the proposed principles on non-discriminatory treatment apply specifically …

TRAI comes out in full support of net neutrality, issues recommendations against the discriminatory treatment of content
7 years, 4 months ago

TRAI comes out in full support of net neutrality, issues recommendations against the discriminatory treatment of content

Firstpost  

TRAI has issued its recommendations on net neutrality, which seek to restrict any kind of discrimination to internet access. To that end, TRAI has issued its recommendations on net neutrality, which specifically recommend that license terms be amplified to restrict any kind of discrimination to internet access. The highlights of the recommendations are as follows: Primarily, the new recommendations state …

TRAI chairman dismisses any effect on India, if US repeals net neutrality rules: Report
7 years, 4 months ago

TRAI chairman dismisses any effect on India, if US repeals net neutrality rules: Report

Firstpost  

Ajit Pai, the Chairman of FCC, recently decided to repeal the net neutrality rules that were set by the Obama administration. However, RS Sharma, TRAI Chairman has denied that it would have any effect on India’s position over net neutrality. Ajith Pai, the Chairman of Federal Communications Commission also known as FCC, recently decided to repeal the net neutrality rules …

Net neutrality recommendations will keep the unique Indian context in mind, says TRAI chairman RS Sharma
7 years, 7 months ago

Net neutrality recommendations will keep the unique Indian context in mind, says TRAI chairman RS Sharma

Firstpost  

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India held an open house consultation in the capital to discuss issues pertaining to net neutrality. TRAI expects that its recommendations on these aspects, which would be ready in two months, will provide inputs for the government committee on data protection, according to a report in the Economic Times. TRAI chairman RS Sharma, addressing the …

Free Basics: Facebook’s failure at ‘digital equality’
7 years, 7 months ago

Free Basics: Facebook’s failure at ‘digital equality’

Al Jazeera  

Facebook’s Free Basics app aimed at providing free online services in developing countries is not what it claims to be. Free Basics – a mobile app created by Facebook – has since its 2015 launch been hailed by the Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg as the “first step towards digital equality” due to its audacious plan to “introduce” millions of people …

Free Basics: Facebook’s failure at ‘digital equality’
7 years, 7 months ago

Free Basics: Facebook’s failure at ‘digital equality’

Al Jazeera  

Facebook’s Free Basics app aimed at providing free online services in developing countries is not what it claims to be. Free Basics – a mobile app created by Facebook – has since its 2015 launch been hailed by the Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg as the “first step towards digital equality” due to its audacious plan to “introduce” millions of people …

TRAI's net neutrality recommendations within a month
7 years, 7 months ago

TRAI's net neutrality recommendations within a month

India TV News  

After three open house discussions and debates, the Indian telecom regulator feels it would be able to furnish its recommendations on net neutrality to the government within a month. Sharma, Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India told reporters after the open house discussion here on Wednesday. "TRAI should be able to propose to the government appropriate recommendations, which they have …

TRAI expected to issue recommendations on net neutrality regulations in a month
7 years, 7 months ago

TRAI expected to issue recommendations on net neutrality regulations in a month

Firstpost  

The telecom operators and internet content providers have been at loggerheads over the issue of net neutrality. Telecom regulator TRAI today said it is expected to issue recommendations on the controversial issue of net neutrality in about a month. When asked about timeline for recommendations, Sharma said: “It should not take more than a month.” The telecom operators and internet …

Flagging net neutrality concerns from Jio, Idea to launch its own handset
7 years, 8 months ago

Flagging net neutrality concerns from Jio, Idea to launch its own handset

Firstpost  

Idea which is being merged with larger rival Vodafone, is working with handset makers to launch a phone which will offer customers the freedom of choice. Idea Cellular has flagged net neutrality concerns about Reliance Jio’s proposed 4G phones, saying it will only allow the apps of the operators choice and that it will also launch a slightly expensive handset …

Trai releases a new consultation paper on net neutrality asking for views and counter comments
8 years, 2 months ago

Trai releases a new consultation paper on net neutrality asking for views and counter comments

Firstpost  

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Wednesday floated a consultation paper on the much-debated net neutrality issue, seeking stakeholders view by February 15, and counter-comments by February 28. “Transparency is one of the key enabling factors towards ensuring adherence to the nondiscrimination principles set forth in any net neutrality framework,” the consultation paper said. “In an net neutrality context, …

Net neutrality: Trai launches paper to finalise policy, invites public views on issue
8 years, 2 months ago

Net neutrality: Trai launches paper to finalise policy, invites public views on issue

Firstpost  

New Delhi: Regulator Trai invited public views on contentious net neutrality issue to finalise a framework that would ensure telecom operators do not manipulate network speeds for giving preference to any website or platform over internet. The consultation paper has been issued by Trai on reference sought by the Department of Telecom following suggestion of a High Level Committee that …

TRAI issues paper on net-neutrality
8 years, 2 months ago

TRAI issues paper on net-neutrality

The Hindu  

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Wednesday issued a consultation paper on the issue of net-neutrality as it looked to formulate “final views on policy or regulatory interventions” on the subject. The purpose of this second stage of consultation is to proceed towards the formulation of final views on policy or regulatory interventions, where required, on the subject of …

Broadband India Forum suggests same regulations for OTT and Telecom service providers
8 years, 8 months ago

Broadband India Forum suggests same regulations for OTT and Telecom service providers

Firstpost  

Advocating free data for increased usage, Broadband India Forum on Thursday sought a level playing field between internet/telecom service providers and over-the-top communication players. “OTT players need to be brought under the same regulatory regime as the internet service providers and telecom service providers,” the forum said in its response to the pre-consultation paper on net neutrality issued by the …

Airtel, Vodafone oppose Trai's free internet plan
8 years, 8 months ago

Airtel, Vodafone oppose Trai's free internet plan

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: India’s two largest telecom operators Airtel and Vodafone have questioned whether Trai proposal to create a telecom agnostic platform to offer people free internet could not create a gatekeeper to control which content people could see and use. In May, however, Trai came out with a new consultation paper to look at ways to provide consumers free internet …

India and Facebook: Free Basics, now through the backdoor
8 years, 8 months ago

India and Facebook: Free Basics, now through the backdoor

The Hindu  

Over the last one year, Indians have engaged in a passionate debate on the concept of Net neutrality, whereby all content should be treated equally on the Internet. The problem people had with Free Basics is now sought to be ‘solved’ by making Free Basics equally available across all telcos, and not just one network as earlier! The ‘Save the …

Net neutrality concern echoes on TRAI's free data proposal
8 years, 9 months ago

Net neutrality concern echoes on TRAI's free data proposal

Firstpost  

Several IT companies have expressed concerns over possible net neutrality violation due to regulator TRAI’s proposal to explore models to provide free data, while telecom operators have questioned the move. The regulator, which is exploring a ‘toll free’ number like facility for accessing online platforms, received comments from 11 telecom operators including Internet service providers, 25 companies and organisations, 14 …

Top IT majors term TRAI's Free Data paper violation of net neutrality
8 years, 9 months ago

Top IT majors term TRAI's Free Data paper violation of net neutrality

India TV News  

New Delhi: Several IT majors have questioned the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s proposal to explore models to provide free data saying it is a ‘violation of the net neutrality by the regulator’. The regulator, which is exploring a ‘toll free’ number like facility for accessing online platforms, received comments from 11 telecom operators including Internet service providers, 25 companies …

Why India should keep an eye on Europe
8 years, 9 months ago

Why India should keep an eye on Europe

The Hindu  

A >pre-consultation paper on Net neutrality is now floating around, with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India seeking comments by June 21. As the European Union embarks on a public consultation process on Net neutrality, the response of Indian citizens to zero-rated apps — the concept of certain applications, such as Facebook’s Internet.org, being provided free to customers — has …

TRAI issues pre-consultation paper on Net neutrality
8 years, 10 months ago

TRAI issues pre-consultation paper on Net neutrality

The Hindu  

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, on Monday, issued a pre-consultation paper on Net neutrality to seek stakeholders’ views on formulating the way forward for policy intervention on the much-debated subject. “Government had asked us for a comprehensive recommendations on net neutrality sometime back.we have come up with recommendations on differential pricing of data services, there is also a paper …

Net Neutrality: Trai issues a pre-consultation paper
8 years, 10 months ago

Net Neutrality: Trai issues a pre-consultation paper

Firstpost  

Telecom regulator Trai has issued pre-consultation paper on net neutrality, a topic that had kicked up dust earlier this year over platforms like Facebook’s Free Basics Telecom regulator Trai has issued pre-consultation paper on net neutrality, a topic that had kicked up dust earlier this year over platforms like Facebook’s Free Basics and Airtel Zero as well as attempts to …

TRAI releases Pre-Consultation Paper on Net Neutrality
8 years, 10 months ago

TRAI releases Pre-Consultation Paper on Net Neutrality

Live Law  

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has released the new Pre-Consultation Paper on Net Neutrality Today. With this, the overall tele-density in India at the end of 2015 stood at 81.83%.” states the Paper In an endeavour to get stakeholders views on Regulatory Framework for Over-the-top services, TRAI had issued a consultation paper on “Regulatory Framework for Over-the-top services” on 27th …

TRAI mulls free internet service within net neutrality framework
8 years, 10 months ago

TRAI mulls free internet service within net neutrality framework

Firstpost  

Telecom regulator TRAI proposed exploring models to give consumers free Internet service within the Net neutrality framework, months after barring platforms like Facebooks Free Basics and Airtel Zero under its differential pricing rule. Telecom regulator TRAI proposed exploring models to give consumers free Internet service within the Net neutrality framework, months after barring platforms like Facebook’s Free Basics and Airtel …

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