It is gratifying to learn that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) came down in favourof Net neutrality. This would, in effect, mean that internet service providers cannot deny users unfettered net access or create zones for exclusive information to the privileged for huge profit-making. We applaud TRAI's decision based on the premise that the net is for all and taken without succumbing to pressure from giant telecom companies and internet service providers.
Companies like Facebook and Airtel cannot revive their ‘Free Basics' scheme and ‘Airtel Zero' plan (respectively). They can now forget about going ahead with 'differential services' and charging differential rates to make a killing. It is a no-brainer that any kind of paid prioritization for delivery of content will eventually lead to the net being monopolized by the affluent classes.
Net neutrality is an essential precondition to keep the internet an open and egalitarian platform which is made use of for enrichment by everyone. It is also indispensable to facilitating growth and innovation in today's technology-driven world and advance the cause of free and democratic discourse.The Telecom Ministry should implement TRAI's recommendations and usher in a liberal and unhindered net neutrality regime. It should also ensure that ‘specialized services' excluded from the purview of net neutrality are not misused by rapacious telecom operators and internet service providers.