TRAI backs net neutrality

 

New Delhi, Nov 28: Telecom Regulatory Authority(TRAI) on Tuesday came out in support of net neutrality in its recommendations on the issue, saying internet services should be non-discriminatory and should be free from any bias.
The telecom sector watchdog said the internet service providers cannot be discriminatory in providing internet access as it is an open platform based on the Constitutional right of equality. 
'The licensing terms should be amplified to provide explicit restrictions on any sort of discrimination in internet access based on the content being accessed, the protocol being used or the user equipment being deployed,' one of the recommendations said.
The regulatory body also said service providers must not enter into agreements with certain agencies when the effect might by discriminatory. 
TRAI said licensing terms must also give the list of bias the provider may have in terms of providing content, thus ensuring neutrality.
The Regulator wanted the telecom companies to declare their traffic management activities, and the effects they may have on providing unrestricted activity on the internet. UNI