Universal broadband access next priority: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

NEW DELHI: After net neutrality, universal broadband connectivity is the next priority, says MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, one of the earliest to fight against telecom companies’ bid to control the Internet and run a campaign in favour of net neutrality.

Telecom Commission, the highest-decision making body within the department of telecommunications, had on Wednesday approved the new neutrality rules, after two years of deliberations on the topic.

The government has, however, kept some “critical” and specialised services out of its purview. “As we will now have the National Digital Communications Policy in place soon, the next priority should be on providing universal broadband connectivity.

That is, getting Internet to all Indians. Just like we have a billion Indians today connected by voice on cellular and wireless, we must get a billion Indians connected to the net,” Chandrasekhar told TNIE.

He had initiated a campaign on net neutrality in 2014, which gained momentum after 2.85 lakh consumers signed his petition in 2015.

“By approving net neutrality rules, the government has accepted that the Internet must be free, fair and open, and there cannot be cabelisation of Internet or walled gardens. Now that there cannot be any prioritisation of access, the basic principles of net neutrality have been upheld and recognised by the government. That is brilliant because it places India’s Internet regulation regime at a pedestal higher even that of the USA,” the MP said.