Trai backs open and free internet; Supports net neutrality

On Tuesday, Trai has backed an open and free internet for users, saying that internet service providers cannot discriminate on how people access web content.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India upheld the concept of so-called net neutrality and said no Internet Service Provider (ISP) can grant preferential data speeds or treatment to any web content.



"A licensee providing Internet Access Service shall not engage in any discriminatory treatment of content, including based on the sender or receiver, the protocols being used or the user equipment," Trai said in its much-awaited recommendations.

The global debate over net neutrality revolves around whether ISPs should be treated like public utilities to ensure the internet is open and free, or be allowed to prioritise access to content of their choosing for an extra fee from websites and services.