India opts for Net Neutrality - the most discussed controversy of these days.

Good news folks! marking an end to the most discussed controversy of recent days among the netizens in India, the telecom regulators voted for NET NEUTRALITY. 

The Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India (TRAI) today through a press release stated that it supports net neutrality. According to the TRAI, 

1. No service provider in india shall offer or charge discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content. 
2. No service provider shall enter into any arrangement, agreement or contract, by whatever name called, with any person, natural or legal, that has the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data services being offered or charged to the consumer on the basis of content.

TRAI discriminates differential pricing for data services based on the content.

Along with the ban on this differential pricing, TRAI will determine if attempts are being made to violate regulations. TRAI is essentially attempting to put everything on the Internet on an agnostic platform. Internet companies, however, will not fall under TRAI’s domain.

A penalty of Rs. 50,000/- will be applicable for each day of contravention/violation of regulation subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 Lakh. 

Differential tariffs being offered for data transmitted over closed electronic communications networks, such as intranets are not prohibited by these regulations. Though the prohibition on discriminatory pricing of data services does not apply to such networks, which are not accessing the internet, if such a closed network is used for the purpose of evading these regulations, the prohibition will nonetheless apply.

**Keeping in view India's large number of internet users and content producers, both of which are rising exponentially, the TRAI authority has taken a view that prohibition of discriminatory tariff for data services is necessary to ensure that the service providers continue to fulfil their obligations in keeping the internet open and non-discriminatory. 

Earlier, Telecom companies had written to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, explaining that a differential pricing system is very much required in order to promote innovation and facilitate the growth of data services. This has also got support from Facebook which is aiming to promote free basics in India. 

Whereas on the other hand, most of Indians ranging from startups to netizens, voiced out against differential pricing.

This step by the Indian Telecom Regulator is a  big blow to Facebook which as said is in plans to provide free mobile internet through its controversial free basics service scheme.

However, the policy may be reviewed every two years or sooner, TRAI said. Netizens in support of Net Neutrality expressed their happiness in favor of TRAI's move to discriminate differential pricing for data services.