Internet services should be non-discriminatory: TRAI on Net Neutrality

According to the telecom regulatory body, service providers should be restricted from entering into any arrangement that has the effect of discriminatory treatment based on content

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Telecom regulator TRAI on Tuesday came out with its much-awaited recommendations on Net Neutrality holding that Internet services should be non-discriminatory.

"The service providers should be restricted from entering into any arrangement, agreement or contract, by whatever name called, with any person, natural or legal, that has the effect of discriminatory treatment based on content, sender or receiver, protocols or user equipment," a release issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said.

The regulator also said the scope of the proposed principles on non-discriminatory treatment apply specifically to 'Internet Access Services', which are generally available to the public.

The paper said that Internet Access Service Providers may take reasonable measurements for traffic management, provided the same are proportionate, transient and transparent.

"The Telecom Service Providers (TSP) shall be required to declare their Traffic Management Practices, as and when deployed and the impact it may have had on the users. The disclosure requirements shall also include information about specialised services, direct or indirect arrangements entered by them," the regulator recommended.

The TRAI said that for monitoring and investigation of violations, a collaborative mechanism has been recommended to be established in the form of a multi-stakeholder body comprising members representing different categories of TSPs and Internet Service Providers, large and small content providers, representative from research and academia, civil society organisations and consumer representatives.