20 Questions. The Indian telecom regulator has proposed 20 questions for your views on two basic topics: should there be licensing of Internet services, and should there be non-discrimination of Internet access via telecom operators. Download the complicated, 118 page long paper here. This consultation has two possible implications: First, if there is licensing of Internet services, or even some Internet services, then it will impact the ability of Internet businesses and startups to remix multiple types of services like messaging and video: a fitness application linked to a band might need a government license in order to allow a customer to message a trainer, or a separate license to offer video within the application. This is what the TRAI calls "OTT licensing". They held a full day seminar on this issue. Read our coverage from it here. Second, if telecom operators are allowed to discriminate between different Internet companies or types of Internet services, it will mean that some services which pay them will be faster and others slower, some might be more expensive to access and others cheaper, and some might be more visible or accessible than others. This is what Net Neutrality is about. - An ISP in Andhra Pradesh was charging separately for P2P services. Read about it here. - Airtel* wants to charge differently for different services, as does Uninor. Read what they've said here. - Read how Telecom operators defend their attack on Net Neutrality. Please submit your answers to the TRAI before the…
