Decision on Net Neutrality soon? TRAI releases main consultation paper on the matter

The TRAI has released a consultation paper on net neutrality and this is the second consultation paper the telecom regulatory body, TRAI, has come out with on the important matter . In this consultation paper, the regulator has sought views on some of the pertinent questions on the issue, including what is the most effective policy instrument for implementing net neutrality framework in India, which body should be responsible for monitoring and supervising net neutrality and what mechanisms are fit for disclosure and information from telcos.

In March 2016, the DoT had asked for TRAI's recommendations on net neutrality and looking at the complexity of the matter, the TRAI decided on a two-stage consultation process to come to a conclusion on the matter. The first consultation paper was released in May this year in which the regulator attempted to find relevant issues in the area from various stakeholders.

In this stage, the authority will consider all issues raised on the matter and the preliminary inputs gathered through pre-consultations from the stakeholders. This stage is main and important to reach a final decision on the issue of net neutrality. But, there is still some time left for the completion of the process as the regulator will once again get comments from stakeholders till Feb 28.

This is going to be one of the most important decisions for the government, considering the huge impact the decision will have on 'Digital India'.