Telecom regulator TRAI has once again extended the deadline for sending in comments for its recent consultation paper on net neutrality up to 12th April 2017. Counter comments can now be submitted by 26th April 2017. Last month, the deadline for comment submission was extended up until March 15th. Written submissions can be sent to advqos@trai.gov.in. The consultation paper primarily looks at how “non-discriminatory access” to content on the Internet could be ensured. It also discusses various issues of Net Neutrality including traffic management, throttling of speeds, and preferential treatment of content and apps on the Internet and how these principles are applicable within the Indian context. In the ongoing consultation, TRAI also asks if preferential treatment of content or throttling can be allowed in case a user demands it, despite the fact that it banned differential pricing in February 2016. Note that this is TRAI’s 5th consultation paper issued under net neutrality in the last two years: -In May 2016, it issued a pre-consultation paper looking to provide a detailed regulatory framework for VoIP and messaging apps. -In the same month, TRAI issued a consultation paper examining free Internet models Airtel Zero and Free Basics. - In December 2015, it consulted on differential pricing for TSPs, asking whether telcos should be allowed to charge differently for different websites. TRAI then passed a regulation in February last year restricting discriminatory pricing (or zero-rating) of applications, and content. - In February 2015, it published a consultation paper on internet licensing and net neutrality. Questions for consultation The regulator had issued a 14-point questionnaire under…
