The industry body Nasscom today opposed Airtel Zero and Free Basics type platforms which it feels violate net neutrality principles by differentiating internet access for certain types of services.
We at Nasscom oppose any model where TSPs (Telecom service providers) have a say or discretion in choosing a content that is made available at favourable rates or speeds etc.
-Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar.
A debate on net neutrality stirred across the country after Airtel decided to charge separately for Internet-based calls but withdrew it later after people protested.
Internet activists and experts flayed the operator for ‘Airtel Zero’ service along with Facebook’s Internet.org service, now Free Basics.
Trai’s paper mentions some plans which amount to differential tariffs of the telecom service provider who offer zero or discounted tariffs to certain contents of some websites, applications or platforms.
Facebook has been aggressively campaigning to support Free Basics service as it fears that platform may be banned in India. Facebook has tied up with Reliance Communications to offer the free Internet platform to its customers.
Net Neutrality
The principle that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, and without favouring or blocking particular products or websites.
